Indirect Catastrophic Injuries in Olympic Styles of Wrestling in Iran

BACKGROUND: Data on indirect catastrophic injuries in wrestling are scarce. OBJECTIVES: To develop a profile of indirect catastrophic injuries in international styles of wrestling and to describe possible risk factors. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective case series; Level of evidence, 3. METHODS: Indirect catastrophic injuries that occurred in wrestling clubs in Iran from July 1998 to June 2005 were identified by contacting several sources. The cases were retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS: The injuries included 9 indirect catastrophic injuries. The injury rate was 0.62 injuries per 100 000 wrestlers per year. The majority of indirect injuries were cardiovascular events in veteran groups of wrestlers. CONCLUSIONS: Indirect catastrophic wrestling injuries are rare and present most commonly in older athletes. Coronary artery disease was the main cause.