This study concerns an epidemiological analysis of foot and ankle injuries during the Athens Olympic Games 2004. An epidemiological survey was used to analyse injuries in all sport tournaments over the period of the Games. During the Athens Olympic Games 2004 in the period from August 1st to September 1st, 624 patients presented to the Foot and Ankle Department for treatment. The mean age of athletes was 24 years (range 21 to 32). Among the patients there were more males, 358 (58%) than females, 266 (42%). In 525 (84.1%) patients there was only a soft tissue injury and in 99 (15.9%) patients there was bone involvement. Regarding specific diagnoses, tendinitis was the most common reason for a visit, followed by ankle sprains, nail infections/injuries, lesser toes sprains, and stress fractures. Sixty-nine (11%) required emergency transfer to the hospital. Our experience from the Athens Olympic Games will inform the development of public health surveillance systems for future Olympic Games, as well as other similar mass events.
