Prevalence and Associated Risk Factors of Sports-Related Orthopedic Injuries

Abstract Background: Sports-related orthopedic injuries are a significant public health concern due to their impact on individuals’ health and fitness levels. This study’s aim was to investigate the prevalence and risk factors of sports-related orthopedic injuries in Saudi Arabia. Methods: A cross-sectional study was implemented through an online survey aimed at adults from different regions across the country, containing demographical data and questions related to the type and pattern of physical activity and previous injuries, as well as questions relating to the knowledge of the safety and prevention of sports-related injuries. Descriptive statistics, Chi-square, and ANOVA tests were used to analyze the data and identify significant associations between variables. Results: The study identified a high prevalence of sports-related orthopedic injuries among the total of 444 participants, with 83.8% of participants reporting injuries. The knee was the most frequently injured location (27.2%), followed by the ankle (23.9%) and shoulder/arms (19.6%). The most common types of injuries were sprains (36.6%) and bruises (25.8%). Significant factors associated with injuries included marital status ( P = 0.045), educational level ( P = 0.000), and the duration of daily exercise ( P = 0.011). Participants exercising for 1–1.5 h daily had the highest injury rate (100%). Conclusions: The study highlighted a notable high prevalence of sports-related orthopedic injuries in Saudi Arabia, with significant associations observed for marital status, educational level, and duration of exercise. These findings emphasize the necessity for targeted injury prevention strategies, encompassing adequate training, proper warm-up routines, and education on safe exercise practices.