[Injury patterns on the first icy day of winter--a survey in Copenhagen County]

The injuries on the first icy day of the winter 1986-1987 in Copenhagen County were compared to the injuries on the preceding day. There were 368 and 276 injuries (both days 95 non-surgical) respectively. The significant increment of fractures and emergency hospitalization was mostly due to fractures of the wrist, humerus and femur. Only a few sprains of the ankle were registered. The majority of patients were middle aged and elderly women. The economical and personal consequences are considerable, but impossible to evaluate, as reliable statistics are needed. Intensive snow clearing and recurrent propaganda are recommended.