ICE HOCKEY INJURIES - A 4-YEAR PROSPECTIVE-STUDY OF A SWEDISH ELITE ICE HOCKEY TEAM

In this prospective study, we have investigated the incidence of injur ies of different severity, types of injury, and mechanisms of injury d uring ice hockey practice and games. One Swedish elite hockey team was closely observed during four seasons (1986-1990). There were 376 inju ries, of which 148 resulted in absence from practice or games. The inc idence of injury (injuries associated with later absence) during pract ice was 2.6 per 1000 player-practice hours and 74.1 per 1000 player-ga me hours. Nuisance injuries (without any later absence) and minor inju ries (absence < 1 week) constituted the vast majority (95.2%) and only 4.8% (18 cases) were classified as moderate or major injuries (absenc e > 1 week). Of the injuries 85% were caused by trauma and 15% by over use. Injuries were most often localized to the lower limb (37.8%) and head/face (31.4%). The commonest injuries were contusions, lacerations /wounds, strains and sprains. Most injuries resulted from stick or pla yer contact (predominantly checking). The results are in close agreeme nt with those of a previous investigation of another Swedish elite hoc key team covering the years 1982-1985. It should be possible to reduce the number of injuries by stricter enforcement of the hockey rules, e specially against stick violations, and a more widespread use of visor s.