Incidence, Nature, and Causes of Fractures and Dislocations in Olympic Styles of Wrestling in Iran

BACKGROUND Several studies have evaluated the incidence of and risk factors for injuries among wrestlers, but there are limited data in this population. Understanding the incidence and risk factors could provide important information for educational and preventive efforts at the national and international levels. PURPOSE To assess the incidence of and risk factors for fractures and dislocations among Greco-Roman and freestyle wrestlers in Iran. STUDY DESIGN Prospective cohort study. METHODS Members of 8 randomly selected wrestling clubs in Kermanshah, Iran, were followed for 12 months. Details of their training and the occurrence of fractures and dislocations were recorded. Related data on fractures and dislocations include site of injury, previous history of injury, coach supervision, and wresting technique that led to the injury. RESULTS A total of 495 male wrestlers were included in the study. Seven fractures and 8 dislocations were reported. The incidence of fractures and dislocations was 1.1 per 10 000 athlete exposures, with a fracture rate of 0.5 and a dislocation rate of 0.6. Of the 15 fractures and dislocations, 11 occurred among freestyle wrestlers (0.8 per 10 000 athlete exposures) and 4 occurred among Greco-Roman wrestlers (0.3 per 10 000 athlete exposures). There was a positive correlation between the incidence of wrestlers' fractures and dislocations and their age (P < 0.01), years of wrestling experience (P < 0.01), previous history of fracture or dislocation (P < 0.01), and age of starting to wrestle (P = 0.03). CONCLUSION The incidence of fractures and dislocations in this study was lower than that seen in previous studies. The risk of fracture and dislocation was heightened by a wrestler's increased age and years of experience, history of previous fracture or dislocation, and younger age of starting to wrestle.