Models for understanding and preventing fractures in sport

Injuries and fractures tend to be considered an inevitable part of sports participation. In this chapter, long-standing principles from injury prevention science, using a structured and systematic approach, are applied to the problem of injuries in sports, specifically acute and stress fractures. With an understanding of the scale and burden of the injury (fracture) problem, attention turns to risk factors and aetiology. Identifying what the risks for sustaining a fracture are, whether acute or stress related, allows measures to be put in place that can remove or reduce their impact. With an understanding of the injury prevention priorities and known key factors for fracture occurrence, solutions and prevention measures are then considered. Because of the potential range of injuries and fractures that can occur in sport, there is no single model for success when it comes to the actual development of prevention measures. The considered use of different models, in conjunction with thorough knowledge of the risk factors, can reduce the incidence and severity of fractures in sport.