A Retrospective Case Study of Surf Injuries on the Hawaiian Islands

Abstract

Surfing is a popular leisure activity that comes with a high risk of injury that may participants fail to mitigate. The following research examines surfing injuries within the Hawaiian Islands and explores ways that these injuries can be prevented. It is hypothesized that surfing on a reef or sand break will be predictive of severe injuries to the head and face region and producing an innovative surf helmet would reduce these injuries. A retrospective review of the trauma registry from the main trauma center in Honolulu, Hawaii was conducted on patients admitted between January 1, 2014 and December 31, 2018. 143 patients were included and analyzed. The majority were adult (89.5%), male (85.3%), non- residents (53.2% = 37.8% U.S. Non-residents + 15.4% International). Spine (35.1%), face (17.5%), and head (12.3%) were the most common regions injured. The types of injuries included fractures (59.4%), lacerations (28.7%), contusions (22.4%), concussions (4.9%) and incomplete and complete quadriplegia (7.00%). Sustaining an injury on Maui was predictive of an overall severe injury, and particularly, severe spinal injury, as was being a patient from the mainland United States. Those who sustained severe spinal injuries were likely to remain in the hospital longer than most patients. Those patients who were severely injured were more likely to be discharged to a rehabilitation facility. Community awareness can be addressed to take precautionary measures with surfers in understanding the risks before partaking in the sport, especially for those visiting the Hawaiian islands.