Incidence and Characteristics of Meniscal Injuries in Cadets at a Military School, 2013-2015.

Abstract

Meniscal injury is common among military service members. To examine the incidence and characteristics of meniscal injuries in cadets at a single military institution between 2013 and 2015. Cohort study. Meniscal-injury data were collected at the Center of Rehabilitation Training, the People's Liberation Army University of Science and Technology. A total of 2479 cadets participating in physical activities between 2013 and 2015. Injury rates, injury proportions by body mass index, risk ratios (RRs), and injury proportion ratios were reported with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). The overall incidence rate was 10.08 (95% CI = 6.84, 14.84) per 1000 person-years. A multiple-comparisons test revealed differences in the relative injury rate in overweight or obese cadets versus normal-weight cadets and underweight cadets (χ2 = 8.98, P = .01). No differences were found between injured normal-weight cadets and underweight cadets (P = .66, RR = 1.39, 95% CI = 0.32, 6.06) or between injured overweight or obese cadets and injured underweight cadets (P = .24, RR = 0.42, 95% CI = 0.09, 1.91). The absolute injury rate was higher for overweight and obese cadets compared with normal-weight cadets (P < .01, RR = 0.30, 95% CI = 0.13, 0.69). The overall proportional distribution for patterns of injury was 2:1 (medial to lateral) for meniscal injuries. Grade 2 injuries were the most common. The high frequency and level of severity of meniscal injuries may negatively affect the readiness and health of cadets. High body mass index was a risk factor for meniscal injury.