Prevalence of Upper Extremity Volleyball Injuries Within Different Adult Age Groups: A Comprehensive Analysis of National Data From 2013-2022

Background: The mean age of volleyball athletes has increased over the past decade, raising concerns about musculoskeletal injuries. There is no literature on how different mechanisms of injury (MOI) affect different adult age groups.

Purpose: To evaluate epidemiologic trends, diagnoses, and mechanisms of volleyball-related upper extremity injuries within different adult age groups.

Study design: Descriptive epidemiology study.

Methods: Data from the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System for volleyball-related upper extremity injuries in patients aged between 19 and 79 years, between January 1, 2013, and December 31, 2022, were analyzed. Data included body parts, diagnosis, MOI, and disposition. Calculations used corresponding hospital sample weights for national estimates (NEs). Patients were divided into either 20-39, 40-59, or 60+ years age groups. Linear regressions were used to analyze annual trends, chi-square tests were used to analyze categorical variables, and the Holm P value adjustment method was utilized in post hoc analysis.

Results: A weighted NE of 41,164 volleyball-related upper extremity injuries occurred in the study period. The mean age was 35.8 ± 14 years, and male patients constituted 49.4% of all patients. The most injured body parts of all age groups were fingers (33.2%), shoulders (28.9%), and wrists (16%). The most common identifiable MOI were impacts with the floor (24%), impacts with the ball (18.7%), and spikes/serves (6.9%). The 20-39 age group experienced shoulder dislocations at the greatest rate of all age groups (NE = 3362 [37%]) and sustained injuries from spike/serve movements at the greatest rates (NE = 2214 [8.2%]; P < .01). Of the 3362 shoulder dislocations in the 20-39 age group, 1445 (43%) were during spikes/serves. The 60+ age group had the greatest rates of sprains/strains (NE = 1353 [41.1%]). Additionally, the 60+ age group suffered from injuries secondary to impacts on the floor (NE = 1242 [37.7%]) and impacts with the ball (NE = 769 [23.4%]) at the greatest rates (P < .01).

Conclusion: Our study demonstrated that adult populations are at risk for volleyball-related upper extremity injuries, specifically affecting the finger, wrist, and shoulder. MOI among age groups differed, as younger adults more often sustained injuries from dynamic movements, whereas older adults sustained injuries from trauma.