An Epidemiological Study of Foot and Ankle Motocross Motorcycling Injuries in the United Kingdom.

BACKGROUND:Motocross is a recreational and competitive sport involving motorcycle racing on off-road circuits. Participants have enjoyed their sport worldwide for over 100 years. In the United Kingdom, there are over 200 clubs, with over 900 events annually. Unfortunately, little evidence exists on motocross injuries and their prevention. The aim of this study is to report and to quantify the different foot and ankle injuries observed in motocross. METHODS:Data was collected prospectively between August 2010 to August 2015 at our regional trauma unit, regardless of whether the sport was performed competitively or recreationally. RESULTS:Foot and ankle related injuries were identified in 210 patients (age range 4-78 years), with the majority being male participants (189, 90%). The majority of injuries occurred within the 21- to 30-year-old-age group. Most injuries were sustained around the start of the motocross season, in early spring and the summer months. A total of 76 patients (36%) required operative intervention. The most common injury was ankle fracture (49, 23%), followed by ankle sprain (44, 21%). CONCLUSION:This is the first epidemiological study in the United Kingdom documenting foot and ankle injuries in motocross. The frequency and severity of motocross-related injuries is presented. This may serve to provide recommendations and guidelines in the governing bodies of this sport. The surge in motocross popularity is correlates with an increase in injuries and inevitably the resources required to treat them. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:Prospective descriptive epidemiological study. Level 1.