HOCKEY INJURIES - CONSULTATIONS AT A HOSP ITAL IN QUEBEC-CITY

Objectives: Assess the context and characteristics of hockey injuries, and evaluate the probable effects of regulations concerning mandatory use of head and neck protective equipment. Design: Descriptive study of 247 patients suffering from hockey injuries. Cases were recorded at the emergency room of the Hopital de l'Enfant-Jesus, in Quebec City, form October 1st 1991 to April 30th 1992. Injury characteristics are p resented by categories, and ''organized hockey on skates'' (HPO) is th e only category where protective equipment is mandatory. Results: Near ly 42% of consultations were related to non-HPO. In the HPO injuries, 15.4% were head injuries whereas in other categories, head injuries re presented 31.4%, 33.3% and 44.0% of total injuries. Discussion: Data s uggest that regulation imposing mandatory head and neck protection sho uld be maintained in the HPO category because of its apparent preventi ve effect. Accordingly, implementation could also be considered in oth er categories.