Epidemiology of Barbell Weightlifting-Related Head and Neck Injuries in the United States: A 10-Year Analysis of National Injury Data

Objective: Our primary objective was to identify and describe trends in head and neck injuries incurred while participating in barbell weightlifting. Study design: Cross-sectional analysis. Setting: National database. Methods: We used data from the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS) from 2014 to 2023. Population characteristics of barbell-related injuries (NEISS Code 3265), including age and sex distributions, were recorded. We further analyzed the distribution of injury anatomic locations, injury types, fracture locations, and patient dispositions. To identify statistical significance, nonparametric tests were performed. Results: Between 2014 and 2023, 3105 cases of barbell-related head and neck injuries were identified, predominantly in males (n = 2227, 71.7%) with a mean age of 27.7 years (SD: 11.9 years). The majority of patients (n = 2193, 74.5%) were treated and released, while 71 patients (2.3%) required hospital admission. The most affected body part was the head (n = 1,368, 44.1%), followed by the neck (n = 993, 32%), the face (n = 614, 19.8%), the mouth (n = 108, 3.5%), and the ear (n = 22, 0.7%). The most common location of injury was a recreational or sports facility (n = 1143; 36.8%), with other significant locations being the home (n = 542; 17.5%), and unspecified locations (n = 1065; 34.3%). Lacerations were the most common injury type (n = 682; 32.4%). Moreover, lacerations were more significantly associated with barbell weightlifting at home (P < .001) than in a recreational or sports facility. Conclusion: This study demonstrates that a substantial number of barbell-related injuries occur above the shoulder. This knowledge can inform the development of safety measures, including potential reforms in rules, regulations, and protective equipment.