Snowboarder's wrist: its severity compared with Alpine skiing.

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics and Sports Medicine
• Trauma Surgery
• Biomechanics of Winter Sports Injuries

Background:

• The upper extremity, particularly the wrist, is the most frequent site of injury in snowboarding.
• The severity and complexity of snowboard-related wrist injuries remain insufficiently understood.
• Understanding injury patterns is crucial for effective treatment strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the severity of wrist injuries sustained in snowboarding versus alpine skiing.
• To provide insights into the specific treatment needs for snowboarder's wrist injuries.
• To quantify the incidence and characteristics of distal radial fractures in both sports.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of 11,598 patient cases injured during snowboarding or skiing over seven seasons.
• Focus on demographic data and wrist joint fractures, specifically distal radial fractures.
• Radiographic assessment using the AO classification system for precise fracture characterization.

Main Results:

• Wrist injuries were significantly more prevalent in snowboarders (18.7%) compared to skiers (2.5%).
• Distal radial fractures occurred at a much higher rate in snowboarders (0.28 per 1000) than skiers (0.008 per 1000).
• Complex fractures (AO types A3, B, C) requiring surgery were found in 49.4% of snowboarder distal radial fractures versus 23.8% in skiers.

Conclusions:

• Wrist injuries in snowboarding are characterized by increased severity and complexity.
• The findings underscore the need for heightened awareness and specialized treatment protocols for snowboarder's wrist injuries.
• This study emphasizes the distinct injury profile associated with snowboarding compared to alpine skiing.