Epidemiology of Knee Injuries in Indian Kabaddi Players

Background Detailed injury epidemiology is an unmatched tool for reducing injury risks associated with any sport. Very little epidemiologic data exists regarding injuries sustained by kabaddi players. Objectives To study knee injuries in kabaddi players. Patients and Methods This is a cross-sectional, observational study. Seventy six kabaddi players (both professionals and amateurs) presenting with sports-related knee injuries were identified from previous records; data was analysed for demographic features, injury mechanism, injury scenario, duration of injury before presentation, injury pattern, management, return to sport and time lost in sport due to the knee injury. Results The mean duration prior to presentation was 14.4 months. Majority of the injuries (88.16%) occurred during competitive games. The most common injury noted was ACL tear (89.47%), followed by meniscus tears which were noted in 68.42% of the players. Forty four players (57.89%) retired from the sport as a consequence of the knee injury. Time lost in sport in those who returned to kabaddi was an average of 16.6 months; signifying the high morbidity due to knee injuries in kabaddi players. Return to sport was significantly more (P = 0.04) in those treated surgically than in those treated conservatively; but was not affected by mechanism of injury, injury scenario, injury pattern, duration of injury at presentation or level of competition of the athlete. Conclusions Epidemiologic studies in kabaddi are the need of the hour to assess the burden of this predominantly rural sport and to implement injury prevention programs. Our study emphasises the morbidity of knee injuries in kabaddi players of India and the exacting toll it takes on their careers.