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Evaluation of skiing injuries by Injury Severity Score
K A Bergstrøm1, O Askild, N A Jørgensen
1Kongsberg County Hospital, Dept. of Surgery, Norway.
Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports
|April 30, 1999
Summary
This study evaluated skiing injuries at Hafjell Alpine Centre, finding an injury rate of 1.8 per 1000 skier days. The Injury Severity Score (ISS) was higher for alpine skiers and adolescents, with abdominal injuries being most severe.
Area of Science:
- Sports Medicine
- Trauma Surgery
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Alpine skiing is a popular winter sport with inherent risks of injury.
- Assessing injury severity is crucial for understanding the impact of skiing accidents.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the Injury Severity Score (ISS) for injuries sustained in an alpine ski area.
- To identify factors associated with higher injury severity in skiers.
Main Methods:
- Data collected from 2,044,484 lift transports over two winter seasons (1991-1992) at Hafjell Alpine Centre.
- Recorded 183 injuries, calculating the injury rate and mean ISS for all injured skiers.
- Analyzed injury patterns, body regions affected, and demographic factors (gender, age).
Main Results:
- The overall injury rate was 1.8 injuries per 1000 skier days.
- The mean ISS was 3.6; alpine skiers had higher ISS than telemark and snowboard skiers.
- Adolescents (15-19 years) showed a higher mean ISS compared to other age groups.
- Knee injuries were most frequent, while abdominal injuries had the highest mean ISS.
- Severe injuries (ISS > 16) were linked to unexpected slope hazards like machinery or debris.
Conclusions:
- The Injury Severity Score (ISS) and Abbreviated Injury Scale (AIS) can provide valuable insights into slope safety.
- Utilizing ISS and AIS is recommended as a tool for preventing skiing-related injuries.
- Targeted interventions may be needed for high-risk groups like adolescents and for addressing specific injury types or slope conditions.