I used to live in the Spokane, WA area. In June each year, they hold a huge, well attended event called Hoopfest, where the downtown streets are cordoned off into 3 on 3 basketball tournament games. It seems to be fun for participants and is certainly fun for spectators (having done that!)
This year, about 18,000 participants were signed up. Free on site medical care was provided by volunteers from MultiCare.
After they event, the news summarized the types of injuries that were treated
- 44 fractures (hand, elbow, ankle)
- 20 Achilles tendon ruptures
- 19 torn ACL/PCL/MCL of the knee
- 12 dislocated shoulders
- 12 concussions
- 104 sprains/strains often requiring immobilization
- 43 lacerations (sutured)
- 252 other wounds not requiring sutures
- 537 taped ankles (twisted, unstable)
- 71 other injuries including heart attacks
Overall, they said they treated about 1100 people – which works out to more than 1 out every 18 participants!
Hmmm … that’s a lot of injuries for a “healthy”activity!
