Judo Injuries Research Articles

Catastrophic Head and Neck Injuries in Judo Players in Japan From 2003 to 2010

Background: Few studies have documented catastrophic head and neck injuries in judo, but these injuries deserve greater attention. Purpose: To determine the features of catastrophic head and neck injuries in judo. Study Design: Descriptive epidemiological study. Methods: This study was based on the accident reports submitted to the All Japan Judo Federation’s System for Compensation for Loss or Damage. A total of 72 judo injuries (30 head, 19 neck, and 23 other injuries) were reported between 2003 and 2010. The investigated parameters were mechanism of injury, age at time of injury, length of judo experience, diagnosis, and outcome. Results: Among head injuries, 27 of 30 (90%) occurred in players younger than 20 years of age. The relationship between age, mechanism, and location of injury was more relevant when players younger than 20 years incurred head injury while being thrown (P = .0026). Among neck injuries, 13 of 19 (68%) occurred in players with more than 36 months of experience. The relationship between experience, mechanism, and location of injury was more relevant when experienced players incurred neck injury while executing an offensive maneuver (P = .0294). Acute subdural hematoma was diagnosed in 94% of head injuries. The outcomes of head injury were as follows: 15 players died; 5 were in a persistent vegetative state; 6 required assistance because of higher brain dysfunction, hemiplegia, or aphasia; and 4 had full recovery. Among neck injuries, 18 players were diagnosed with cervical spine injury, 11 of whom had fracture-dislocation of the cervical vertebra; there was also 1 case of atlantoaxial subluxation. The outcomes of neck injury were as follows: 7 players had complete paralysis, 7 had incomplete paralysis, and 5 had full recovery. Conclusion: Neck injuries were associated with having more experience and executing offensive maneuvers, whereas head injuries were associated with age younger than 20 years and with being thrown.

Judo injuries: their repercussions on the practice of the sport

This study sought to verify the frequency of injuries during judo classes, the consequent time away from the practice of the sport, and the treatment used on judo athletes from gyms and clubs located in the city of Rio de Janeiro. Method: Thirty-five male athletes participated in the study, with ages between 8 and 30 years old, with a minimum involvement in the sport of 12 months. A validated and structured questionnaire was used for evaluation composed of 18 questions, both open and closed. Results and discussion: It was verified that the majority of the injuries occurred during the training process (82.86%) and most of the athletes remained away from the practice of the sport on average between 15 and 30 days. In relation to therapy, it was observed that anti-inflammatory medicines were being used more frequently (71.4%), followed by rest (62.9%), immobilization (60%) and ice locally (cryotherapy) (51.4%). This treatment was associated with physiotherapy in 40% of the injuries. Surgical interventions were needed in 14.3% of the cases. Conclusion: the occurrence of injuries during judo practice predominates in the training period, and most athletes can recover in less than one month having a conservative treatment as the main therapeutic choice.

Traumatismes secondaires à la pratique du judo chez l’enfant

Analyze the epidemiology and the distribution of judo injuries in a pediatric population. A retrospective study was conducted from May 2006 to May 2008, including all patients aged less than 15 years admitted to a tertiary-level pediatric emergency unit. The data collected were age, sex, geographic origin, time and day of admission, duration in the pediatric emergency department, body weight, type and location of injuries, and progression. For statistical analysis, data were entered in Microsoft Excel tables. In the descriptive analysis, data are presented as mean values with SD. To compare qualitative variables, a chi(2) test was used and the two-tailed Fisher exact test if the expected value was lesser or equal to 5. Statistical significance was considered at P<0.05. During the study period, 173 patients were included, with a male:female ratio of 2.46. The mean age was 10.6+/-2.4 years. Most children were admitted during the weekend (59 %). The distribution of lesions was contusions (44 %), fractures (31 %), sprains (19 %), dislocations (3 %), and wounds (3 %). The upper extremities were more frequently affected than the lower extremities (46 % vs. 25 %), with a significant male prevalence (78 %) (P<0.0001), dominated by fractures (54 %), especially clavicle fractures (72 %). Compared to the other injuries, the male population had a significantly higher risk of fractures (P=0.04). Thirteen children required hospitalization for surgical repair of fractures. Frequent and often benign, judo accidents in children are different from adult injuries in their mechanisms and injury distribution. There is also an additional risk of growth plate damage. Risk factors have been attributed to an increased injury incidence: body weight loss over 5 % or overweight, age and judo experience, and male gender. During competition and training sessions, the evaluation and prevention of these factors could decrease the occurrence of such injuries.

The common mechanisms of anterior cruciate ligament injuries in judo: a retrospective analysis

BackgroundAlthough high prevalence of anterior cruciate ligament injuries (ACL) in judokas has been reported, there has been very little research concerning events preceding the injury.ObjectiveTo determine the common situations and...

Actual State of Knee Injuries in Judo and Effects of Athletic Rehabilitation on the Knee Injuries

Actual State of Knee Injuries in Judo and Effects of Athletic Rehabilitation on the Knee Injuries