Lumbar Spine Injuries in NCAA Athletes: A 6-Season Epidemiological Study (ptinquest.libsyn.com)

• Incidence 1.46 per 10,000 exposures
• Highest rates in wrestling, football, gymnastics
• Most common: muscle strains, disc herniations
• 60% of injuries during competition
• Average time loss of 10 days

"A 6-season epidemiological study analyzed lumbar spine injuries in NCAA athletes. The most common diagnoses were muscle strains, disc herniations, and stress fractures. Incidence was highest in men's wrestling and football, and women's gymnastics and basketball. Findings help identify risk groups and inform prevention strategies."