Epidemiology of the injuries of the locomotor system in basketball athletes

Abstract

This study has the objective to identify the most frequent injuries of the locomotor system in basketball athletes, their characteristics and the body segments mostly affected. 59 athletes of seven teams of Sao Paulo city ranging from 18 and 39 years of age, were interviewed through a questionnaire containing personal data, profile of performance in practice sessions and games, and records of injuries with their clinical diagnosis. In total, 455 injuries were obtained, and the most frequent injury was the ankle sprain with 49 cases (10.8%). For the time of occurrence, 356 (78.2%) injuries happened in the season. The predominant moment of occurrence was in practice sessions, 242 (53.2%). For the seriousness of the injuries, 131 (28.9%) were degree I, 171 (37.6%) degree II, and 153 (33.5%) degree III. The analysis between the injuries and the athlete’s position in the game, stated that the Forwards were affected mostly in the face (16.6%) and the dorsum lumbar spine (12.,8%). In the Centers the areas most affected were the face (18.3%), the hands and the fingers (18.3%), and the knees (15%). The ankle was the most affected area in the Guards (18.6%) over other areas mentioned. The typical injuries of basketball and the most affected areas were: 1) wounds in the eyes and mouth, due to the dynamics of the game, to the stature of the centers and their use of the elbows; 2) ankle sprains, due to the lack of protection; 3) patellar tendonitis, as a result of the over training; 4) finger-joint bruises, because of the constant dispute of the ball; 5) back and lower back disturbances, due to the impacts, aggressiveness and to the athletes’ posture.