Golf-Related Lower Extremity Injuries Presenting to United States Emergency Departments: A 10-Year Analysis (2013-2022).

Background: Golf-related lower extremity (LE) orthopaedic injuries are frequently seen in emergency departments (EDs) across the United States (US). This study analyzes trends in mechanisms and distribution of these injuries. Hypotheses: We hypothesized that (1) the LE injury incidence would increase from 2013 to 2022; (2) golf carts would be a significant injury mechanism; and (3) injury patterns would vary by age group. Study Design: Descriptive epidemiology study. Methods: The National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS) database was queried for all LE golf-related injuries presenting to US EDs from January 1, 2013, to December 31, 2022. National estimates (NE) were calculated utilizing the NEISS statistical sample weight for each hospital. Linear regressions were used to determine trends in injury patterns-including year, age group, body part, injury mechanism, diagnosis, and disposition. Results: There were 1949 golf-related LE injuries (NE = 97,492), with men accounting for 67.3% of cases. Injuries were highest among >60 years (49%) and 10 to 19-year-old golfers (11%). Most commonly involved LE body parts were the knee (n = 586; NE = 31,539; 32%), lower leg (n = 498; NE = 24,729; 25%), ankle (n = 453; NE = 21,860; 22%), and foot (n = 263; NE = 12,814; 13%). The most commonly identifiable mechanisms of injury were 38,889 cart-related (40%), 15,287 falls (16%), and 11,181 overuse injuries (11%). There was an increasing annual trend in LE injury involving golf carts (236 per year; P = .001). However, there was no statistically significant trend in overall golf-related LE injuries. Conclusion: Our study revealed that golf cart-related injuries accounted for a disproportionate percentage of LE golf injuries (40%). The lack of increase in overall LE injuries may reflect fewer non-golf cart-related injuries among an increasing pool of younger golfers. Preventive measures should target adolescents and those >60 years. Improved safety measures for golf cart use are also recommended.