Women's Sports Medicine Programs in the United States: an interdisciplinary approach to the care of girls and women

Objectives: Multiple studies have shown that women are more susceptible to certain musculoskeletal (MSK) injuries than their male counterparts. In response to these identified differences, several institutions have established Women's Sports Medicine Programs (WSMPs). The purpose of this study was to determine the number of WSMPs and explore program characteristics such as geographic location, specialties represented, common conditions treated, program history, and patient population. Methods: An extensive internet search was conducted to identify WSMPs in the United States. The second part of this study involved a 13-question, anonymous, electronic survey that was distributed to the directors of identified WSMPs to gather further data. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data. Results: Nineteen WSMPs were identified and the majority have been in existence for 6 to 10 years (44.4%). The survey was delivered to 18 programs and 9 WSMP directors responded (50% response rate). The most commonly reported number of physicians, across all specialties, comprising the core network was two physicians (4 programs, 44.4%). Health care providers with fourteen different areas of specialization were identified across all programs. The most common conditions treated were patellofemoral pain syndrome (33.3%), stress fracture (33.3%), and ACL tear (22.2%). In 5 programs (55.5%), patients < 18 years of age accounted for less than 25% of total patients. Only 2 programs (22.2%) reported that >51% of patients were actively participating in sports. Conclusion: This study demonstrates that nineteen Women's Sports Medicine Programs have been established in the United States. These programs address conditions known to have a higher incidence in the active female population, however the WSMPs are not solely geared towards the treatment of active female athletes. The information provided in this study can serve as a guide for the development of future WSMPs, as well as, future research studies regarding WSMPs.