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Traumatic dental injuries and Alpine skiing
R Gassner1, J Vàsquez Garcia, W Leja
1Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Preventive and Restorative Dentistry, School of Dental Medicine, University of Innsbruck, Austria. maxillofaziale-Chirurgie@uibk.ac.at
Endodontics & Dental Traumatology
|February 24, 2001
Summary
Alpine skiing frequently causes traumatic dental injuries, particularly luxations and fractures, in young adults. Skiers face higher risks from lift accidents and equipment collisions, necessitating awareness among dental professionals.
Area of Science:
- Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
- Sports Medicine
- Trauma Surgery
Background:
- Maxillofacial injuries are common in Alpine skiing accidents.
- Traumatic dental injuries (TDIs) represent a significant component of these facial traumas.
- Understanding the incidence and mechanisms of TDIs in skiers is crucial for prevention and treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the occurrence and types of traumatic dental injuries (TDIs) in patients with maxillofacial injuries sustained during Alpine skiing.
- To identify the primary causes and risk factors associated with TDIs in skiers.
- To inform dental health professionals about the prevalence and patterns of skiing-related dental trauma.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 7600 patients with facial injuries over an 8-year period (1991-1998).
- Focus on 784 patients with skiing-related facial injuries, examining dental trauma incidence, injury types, and associated injuries.
- Data collection included patient demographics, injury mechanisms, and dental outcomes (luxations, fractures, avulsions).
Main Results:
- Out of 784 skiers with facial injuries, 326 (41.6%) had 639 dental injuries, predominantly affecting ages 7-32.
- Luxations (53%) and fractures (42%) were the most common TDIs; 5% of teeth were avulsed.
- Falls (42%) and collisions with people (24.1%) were leading causes; lift accidents posed an 8.5-fold risk for TDIs.
Conclusions:
- Traumatic dental injuries are a common consequence of maxillofacial trauma in Alpine skiers.
- Specific injury mechanisms, such as lift accidents and equipment collisions, significantly increase the risk of TDIs.
- Dental health professionals must be aware of the high incidence and specific patterns of dental trauma in skiers to improve patient care and prevention strategies.