The impact of sports injuries in winter on medical services

N Z Med J. 1975 Oct 8;82(549):229-32.

Abstract

2529 injured sportsmen were treated at the Hutt and Wellington accident and emergency departments from 1 April to 31 August 1972. Almost two-thirds (62 percent) of these injuries were sustained during Saturday games, but only one-third (36.7 percent) of those injured presented on Saturdays. In view of the necessity to x-ray 75 percent, refer 18 percent to other hospital departments and admit 7.6 percent to hospital, a sports medicine clinic is suggested within the hospital complex. Such a clinic would ease the A and E work load and, at the same time, provide improved treatment for injured sportsmen.

MeSH terms

  • Athletic Injuries / diagnostic imaging
  • Athletic Injuries / epidemiology*
  • Costs and Cost Analysis
  • Emergency Service, Hospital / statistics & numerical data*
  • Fractures, Bone / diagnostic imaging
  • Hospitalization
  • Humans
  • New Zealand
  • Outpatient Clinics, Hospital
  • Radiography
  • Referral and Consultation
  • Seasons
  • Time Factors