Injuries about the shoulder in skiing and snowboarding

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics
• Sports Medicine
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Alpine skiing injury rates have decreased, particularly lower-extremity injuries, leading to a higher ratio of upper-extremity to lower-extremity injuries.
• Snowboarding results in more frequent upper-extremity injuries compared to alpine skiing, with shoulder injuries being a significant concern in both sports.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze and compare the incidence and patterns of shoulder injuries in alpine skiing versus snowboarding.
• To identify common mechanisms and types of shoulder injuries in both sports.
• To inform prevention strategies and treatment algorithms for alpine sport-related injuries.

Main Methods:

• Review of epidemiological data on alpine skiing and snowboarding injuries.
• Stratification of shoulder injuries by type to compare incidence between sports.
• Analysis of injury mechanisms, including falls, pole planting, and aerial maneuvers.

Main Results:

• Shoulder injuries constitute a notable percentage of all injuries and upper-extremity injuries in both skiing and snowboarding.
• Falls are a primary cause of shoulder injuries, with sport-specific mechanisms like pole planting (skiing) and aerial maneuvers (snowboarding) also contributing.
• Common shoulder injuries include rotator cuff strains, glenohumeral dislocations, acromioclavicular separations, and clavicle fractures.

Conclusions:

• While overall injury rates decline, the relative incidence of upper-extremity injuries, particularly shoulder injuries, is increasing in alpine skiing.
• Snowboarding presents a higher risk for upper-extremity injuries, including shoulder injuries, compared to alpine skiing.
• Effective prevention strategies and confident treatment algorithms are crucial for managing upper-extremity injuries in skiers and snowboarders.