gms | German Medical Science

Objective: To evaluate incidence and mechanisms of head injury during football games and to describe the results after spontaneous resolution of symptoms or after treatment.

Methods: In a retrospective study from 2005, 453 players organized in a German Football Association, who suffered various injuries, were collected. A questionnaire was used, in which the player described the accident, the playing situation as well as the clinical course after trauma. This questionnaire also included information about the physical strain of the players and the time of rehabilitation. Two groups were formed: head injury (group 1) and injuries of other body parts (group 2).

Results: Out of the injuries reported, 112 (25%) were related to the head, 114 (25.2%) to the knee, there were 58 ankle (13%), 56 calf (12%), and 32 shoulder (7%) injuries. The most frequently involved areas of the head were the facial and the occipital region. In the head injury group, the head duel was the most common playing action, which led to the trauma. The body part, which hit the injured player was the elbow, arm or head of the opponent. The most common playing situation was combat in the penalty area. The median hospitalization time of players, who were treated after trauma was 2 days for group 1 and 5 days for group 2. The rehabilitation-time after head injury was shorter (median: 6.5 days) than the group with injuries of other body parts (median: 30 days).

Conclusions: Trivial football head injuries can have a long and complicated course. Nevertheless the temporary disablement is shorter in most patients than in the group of players with injuries of other body parts. Modifications of playing rules are necessary to reduce the fincidence of head trauma. The prophylaxis to prevent severe head injuries could be the use of a head protection during the football match.