With the advent of mixed martial arts (MMA) growing in popularity, there has been a described increase in its participation. The term MMA generally describes the hybridization of combat disciplines including but not limited to: karate, judo, jiu-jitsu, wrestling, taekwondo, boxing, kickboxing, and Muay Thai. With increased participation in MMA and martial arts, differing physical demands are placed on participants.
Unique physical demands are placed on participants compared to traditional sports given the complex interdisciplinary demands of martial arts and the merging of different styles. Martial arts styles such as karate, taekwondo, kickboxing, and Muay Thai involve striking with punches and kicks while competitors remain standing and aim for knock downs. Wrestling, judo, and jiu-jitsu involve competitors utilizing standing and ground fighting without strikes to submit and subdue opponents. Each unique style carries a different risk profile given the inherent demands of the individual sport.
Due to the physical nature of combat sports, there are injuries associated with participation. The purpose of this study is to report the incidence and characteristics of injuries seen from various martial art disciplines presenting to U.S. emergency rooms in order to educate participants and providers alike about risks assumed with participating in martial arts.
The National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS) database was queried for martial arts–related injuries from 2009 to 2019. Cases were examined and data including patient age and gender, injury type and location, hospital disposition, and type of martial arts practiced were extracted.
A total of 8,400 injuries were recorded, leading to a national estimate of 310,143 martial arts–related injuries over the 11-year period of 2009–2019 (95% CI 239,063–381,223). The most common types of injuries were strains/sprains (n = 2664, 31.7%), fractures (n = 1,575, 18.8%), and contusions/abrasions (n = 1,698, 20.2%). There were 260 dislocations, with shoulder dislocations being most common (n = 96, 36.9%). Lower extremities were affected more frequently than upper extremities (n = 3566, 42.5% versus n = 3026, 36.0%), with the knee being the single most common location of injury (n = 811, 9.7%). Males more commonly sustained fractures (19.7 % versus 17.4%, p = 0.03) and dislocations (3.5% versus 2.4%, p = 0.01) when compared to females. Ankle injuries were more common in females than males (10.4% versus 6.0%, p < 0.001). Only 2.2% of patients required admission to the hospital. Risk factors for admission included patients >35 years of age and male sex.
Source: Bickley RJ, Hazim NY, Sy JW, Nute DW. An epidemiological study of martial arts injuries in patients presenting to US emergency rooms. Injury. 2023 Dec;54(12):111089. doi: 10.1016/j.injury.2023.111089. Copyright ©2023. Reprinted with permission from Elsevier; all rights reserved.
