TY - JOUR PY - 2019// TI - Using causal energy categories to report the distribution of injuries in an active population: an approach used by the U.S. Army JO - Journal of science and medicine in sport A1 - Hauschild, Veronique D. A1 - Schuh-Renner, Anna A1 - Lee, Terrence A1 - Richardson, Melissa D. A1 - Hauret, Keith A1 - Jones, Bruce H. SP - 997 EP - 1003 VL - 22 IS - 9 N2 - OBJECTIVES: To describe the etiologic distribution of all injuries among U.S. Army Active Duty soldiers by causal energy categories.

DESIGN: Retrospective cohort, descriptive analysis.

METHODS: Injury was defined as the interruption of tissue function caused by an external energy transfer (mechanical, thermal, radiant, nuclear, chemical, or electrical energy). A comprehensive injury matrix standardized categories by causal energies, body locations, and injury types. Categories differentiated acute (ACT) from cumulative micro-traumatic (CMT) overuse injuries, and musculoskeletal injuries (MSKI) from those affecting other or multiple body systems (non-MSKI). International Classification of Diseases (ICD) diagnoses codes were organized into established categories. The matrix was applied to electronic health records for U.S. Army soldiers in 2017.

RESULTS: Mechanical energy transfers caused most injuries (97%, n = 809,914): 76% were CMT overuse and the remaining were ACT (<21%). The majority (83%) were MSKI (71% CMT, 12% ACT). While almost one-half (47%) were to lower extremities (38% CMT, 9% ACT) the most frequently injured anatomical sites were the knee and lower back (16% each, primarily CMT).

CONCLUSIONS: For the first time all soldiers' injuries have been presented in the same context for consistent comparisons.

FINDINGS confirm the vast majority of injuries in this physically-active population are MSKI, and most are CMT MSKI. A very small portion are non-MSKI or injuries caused by non-mechanical energy (e.g., heat- or cold-weather). Most Army injuries are to the lower extremities as a grouped body region, but additional matrix specificity indicates the most injured anatomical locations are the knee, lower back, and shoulder.

Copyright © 2019. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Language: en

LA - en SN - 1440-2440 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jsams.2019.04.001 ID - ref1 ER -