Characteristics of Sports Injuries in Young Patients Treated at a District Hospital in Caaguazú, Paraguay

Abstract

Introduction: Sports injuries are a reason for seeking healthcare and may present different characteristics according to the sport practiced and the context in which they occur. Objective: To describe the sociodemographic, sports-related, and clinical characteristics of patients aged 15 to 25 years with sports injuries treated at the Inmaculada Concepción District Hospital in Caaguazú. Materials and methods: An observational, descriptive, retrospective, and cross-sectional study was conducted. Twenty-five medical records corresponding to the period from January to April 2025 were reviewed. Age, sex, sport practiced, circumstances of injury, type of injury, treatment received, hospital referral, and history of previous injuries were analyzed using absolute frequencies and percentages. Results: Male patients accounted for 76% (n=19) of the cases, while female patients accounted for 24% (n=6). Motocross was the most frequently recorded sport, representing 28% (n=7), followed by soccer at 24% (n=6). A total of 72% (n=18) of the injuries occurred during competitions and 28% (n=7) during training. Fractures of the radius, tibia, and ankle each accounted for 12% (n=3) of the cases. Surgical treatment was performed in 68% (n=17) of the patients, 12% (n=3) were referred to another hospital, and 4% (n=1) had a history of previous injuries. Conclusion: Male patients, injuries associated with motocross and soccer, and injuries occurring during competitions predominated among the medical records analyzed. The findings exclusively describe the cases treated at the institution and do not allow estimation of the prevalence of sports injuries or comparison of risk across sports.