Epidemiology of Hip Injuries in the National Basketball Association: A 24-Year Overview
Authors: Jackson TJ, Starkey C, McElhiney D, Domb BG
DOI: 10.1177/2325967113499130
Purpose
To characterize the incidence, types, timing, and impact of pelvis, hip, and thigh injuries among NBA players over a 24-year period.
Methods
Retrospective review of NBA injury records (1988–2012), analyzing injury type, timing, mechanism, games missed, and surgical interventions.
Key Findings
- 2852 hip-related injuries recorded, accounting for 14.6% of all athletic injuries.
- Majority (61.2%) occurred during games.
- Quadriceps strains and contusions were most common; hamstring strains were the predominant strain subtype.
- Average time lost per injury was 6.3 days.
- Muscle strains were more frequent in the preseason.
Conclusion
Pelvis, hip, and thigh injuries are a significant burden in professional basketball, mainly due to extra-articular muscle strains and contusions.
What Does This Mean for Providers?
- Providers should focus on prevention, early recognition, and targeted rehabilitation strategies for muscle strains and contusions, especially during preseason training.
- Awareness of injury patterns can guide conditioning and workload management to reduce injury risk and time lost.
- Surgical intervention remains uncommon but should be considered when indicated.