ABSTRACT
Background: Sports injuries are prevalent among athletes and physically active individuals, often leading to significant physical, psychological, and economic burdens. Understanding the anatomical basis of these injuries is crucial for designing effective prevention strategies and rehabilitation protocols. Despite advancements in sports medicine, gaps remain in comprehensively addressing the root causes and optimizing recovery pathways.
Aim: This study aimed to explore the anatomical basis of common sports injuries to identify risk factors, propose prevention strategies, and evaluate rehabilitation techniques.
Methods: This descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted at Mayo Hospital, Lahore, from October 2023 to September 2024. A total of 50 participants, including amateur and professional athletes from various sports disciplines, were included. The participants presented with injuries such as ligament tears, muscle strains, joint dislocations, and fractures. Data collection involved clinical examinations, imaging studies (MRI, X-rays), and detailed injury histories. The anatomical structures most frequently affected were identified, and their vulnerability to specific sports activities was analyzed. Prevention strategies were designed based on biomechanical insights, and rehabilitation outcomes were monitored over the study duration.
Results: The study found that lower extremity injuries were the most common, accounting for 62% of cases, with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears being the most prevalent (28%). Upper extremity injuries, including shoulder dislocations and rotator cuff tears, comprised 24% of cases, while spinal injuries accounted for 14%. Analysis revealed that improper technique, overuse, and inadequate warm-up routines were significant contributors to these injuries.
Preventive strategies, such as sport-specific conditioning exercises, dynamic warm-ups, and improved protective gear, showed a reduction in injury recurrence by 38% among participants who adhered to the recommendations. Rehabilitation techniques, including physiotherapy, strength training, and proprioceptive exercises, yielded substantial improvements in functional recovery. The average recovery time was reduced by 25% among participants who followed tailored rehabilitation plans.
Conclusion:  This study highlighted the anatomical vulnerabilities associated with common sports injuries and emphasized the importance of targeted prevention and rehabilitation strategies. Addressing biomechanical risk factors and employing evidence-based rehabilitation techniques significantly improved outcomes and reduced injury recurrence. These findings underscore the need for multidisciplinary approaches in sports injury management, integrating anatomical insights, preventive measures, and personalized rehabilitation protocols.
Keywords: Sports injuries, anatomical basis, prevention strategies, rehabilitation techniques, biomechanics, ACL tear, physiotherapy, functional recovery.