Which of the Following Choices Is Not a Common Sports Injury?

Sports injuries can happen to athletes at any level due to overuse, improper technique, or accidental impact. Some injuries are far more frequent than others, often affecting muscles, tendons, bones, and joints. Understanding which injuries occur most often can help with prevention, early recognition, and treatment.

Soft Tissue Injuries

Soft tissue injuries are among the most common in sports, affecting muscles, tendons, and ligaments due to sudden movements, repetitive stress, or direct trauma. These injuries range in severity from mild discomfort to significant impairments requiring medical attention.

Muscle Strains

A muscle strain, or “pulled muscle,” occurs when muscle fibers are overstretched or torn due to excessive force. This injury frequently affects athletes engaged in sprinting, jumping, or rapid directional changes, such as soccer and basketball players. Strains are graded from mild (Grade I) to severe (Grade III), with the latter involving complete muscle rupture. Symptoms include pain, swelling, and muscle weakness. A study in the British Journal of Sports Medicine (2019) found that hamstring strains account for about 12% of all sports-related injuries, particularly in high-speed activities. Treatment typically involves the RICE protocol (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation) and physical therapy to restore strength and flexibility. Preventative strategies include warm-ups, strength training, and flexibility exercises.

Tendon Tears

Tendon tears occur when the fibrous connective tissue linking muscle to bone experiences excessive strain. These injuries frequently affect the Achilles tendon in runners and basketball players or the rotator cuff in overhead athletes like baseball pitchers. Partial tears may cause persistent pain and weakness, whereas complete ruptures often result in an inability to move the affected joint. A 2021 review in The American Journal of Sports Medicine noted an increase in Achilles tendon ruptures, particularly among middle-aged recreational athletes. Diagnosis typically involves imaging such as ultrasound or MRI. Treatment ranges from immobilization and physical therapy for milder cases to surgery for severe tears. Preventative measures include strength training, proper biomechanics, and gradual increases in activity intensity.

Ligament Sprains

Ligament sprains occur when the fibrous bands connecting bones at a joint are stretched or torn, often due to rapid direction changes or impact. The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in the knee is especially vulnerable in sports like football, basketball, and skiing. Sprains are classified into three grades, with Grade III involving complete rupture and joint instability. A 2020 study in The Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy reported that ACL injuries account for approximately 200,000 cases annually in the U.S., with female athletes at higher risk due to biomechanical differences. Symptoms include swelling, instability, and difficulty bearing weight. Treatment varies from bracing and rehabilitation for mild cases to reconstructive surgery for complete tears. Prevention includes neuromuscular training programs and proper landing techniques.

Bone Fractures

Bone fractures frequently result from high-impact collisions, falls, or repetitive stress. These injuries range from minor cracks to complete breaks, affecting an athlete’s ability to participate in sports. Treatment depends on severity and may involve immobilization, physical therapy, or surgery.

Simple Fractures

A simple fracture, or closed fracture, occurs when a bone breaks without piercing the skin. These injuries often result from direct trauma, such as a fall or collision, and are common in contact sports like football and hockey. Symptoms include localized pain, swelling, and difficulty moving the affected limb. X-rays confirm the diagnosis. A 2022 study in The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery found that simple fractures account for a significant portion of sports-related bone injuries, particularly in younger athletes. Treatment typically involves immobilization with a cast or brace, with recovery taking weeks to months. Rehabilitation focuses on restoring strength and mobility. Preventative measures include wearing protective gear, maintaining bone health, and practicing proper technique.

Stress Fractures

Stress fractures are small cracks in the bone caused by repetitive force rather than a single traumatic event. These injuries are common in endurance athletes like long-distance runners and gymnasts. The tibia, metatarsals, and femur are frequently affected. Symptoms start as dull, localized pain that worsens with activity and improves with rest. A 2021 review in Sports Medicine found that stress fractures account for up to 20% of all sports-related bone injuries, with female athletes at higher risk due to lower bone density. Diagnosis often requires MRI or bone scans, as X-rays may not detect early-stage fractures. Treatment involves rest and activity modification, with severe cases requiring immobilization. Prevention includes gradual training progression, proper footwear, and adequate nutrition.

Compound Fractures

A compound fracture, or open fracture, occurs when a broken bone pierces the skin, increasing the risk of infection. These fractures are common in high-impact sports like motocross, skiing, and football. Symptoms include intense pain, visible bone displacement, and bleeding. Immediate medical attention is required. A 2020 study in The Journal of Trauma and Acute Care Surgery reported that compound fractures have a higher risk of complications, including delayed healing and infection. Treatment typically involves surgical intervention with internal fixation using plates, screws, or rods. Recovery can take months, with rehabilitation focusing on mobility and strength. Preventative measures include wearing protective equipment and practicing techniques that reduce high-impact falls or collisions.

Common Joint Dislocations

Joint dislocations occur when bones within a joint are forced out of alignment due to impact or awkward movements. These injuries are common in contact sports such as football, wrestling, and rugby. The shoulder is the most frequently dislocated joint due to its wide range of motion and relatively shallow socket. Athletes with a shoulder dislocation often experience intense pain, visible deformity, and an inability to move the arm.

While the shoulder is most commonly affected, other joints can also dislocate. The patella (kneecap) can shift out of place due to sudden twisting, often seen in basketball and soccer players. Finger dislocations frequently occur in ball-handling sports like volleyball and basketball. These injuries cause swelling, bruising, and restricted movement, requiring immediate medical attention. Unlike minor sprains, dislocations often damage surrounding ligaments, tendons, and cartilage, necessitating rehabilitation.

Prompt intervention is essential. Medical professionals typically perform a closed reduction to reposition the joint, followed by immobilization with a brace or sling. Severe dislocations involving fractures or ligament damage may require surgery. Rehabilitation includes exercises to strengthen muscles and improve joint stability. Preventative strategies, such as neuromuscular training and protective bracing, reduce the risk of dislocations in high-risk athletes.

Concussions And Other Cranial Injuries

Head injuries in sports range from mild concussions to severe traumatic brain injuries, often caused by direct blows or sudden accelerations. Concussions, the most common sports-related cranial injury, occur when rapid head movement causes the brain to shift within the skull, leading to temporary neurological impairment. Symptoms include dizziness, confusion, and headaches. While most resolve within days or weeks, repeated concussions can contribute to long-term cognitive deficits. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that young athletes are particularly vulnerable, as their developing brains may take longer to recover.

Recognizing and managing concussions early is crucial. Athletes may experience delayed symptoms such as mood disturbances, sleep disruptions, and sensitivity to light and noise. Guidelines from the American Academy of Neurology recommend immediate removal from play following a suspected concussion to prevent second-impact syndrome, a rare but potentially fatal condition in which a second concussion occurs before full recovery. Advanced imaging techniques like functional MRI and diffusion tensor imaging are being explored for assessing brain changes post-injury, though diagnosis remains largely symptom-based.