Experimental biomechanics of the human leg. A basis for interpreting typical skiing injury mechanisms

In 1965 the continually increasing number of injured skiers inspired us to consider a special program for the prevention of injuries in alpine skiing (Fig. 1A). All the common measures used to prevent injuries resulting from a dangerous fall by the skier were apparently insufficient. Release bindings provided only limited protection for the leg, for in 63 per cent of the cases of injury the binding had not released. Moreover, no definite information was available concerning the adjustment of release bindings for maximal safety. Finally, the mechanical and dynamic characteristics of safe release bindings were not known. In alpine skiing the tibia is the most frequent site of severe injury. In such a fall the tibia is the weakest link in the lower extremity. Thus, biomechanical research was started in 1965 to study the injury threshold of this body segment. Initially we determined the relationships of bone dimensions, sex, and age to the biomechanical characteristics of the tibia.