Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 20, 2025

Measurement of Dynamic Scapular Kinematics Using an Acromion Marker Cluster to Minimize Skin Movement Artifact
Published on: February 10, 2015
Acromioclavicular joint injuries at a Colorado ski resort
Naomi Kelley1, Lauren Pierpoint2, Jack Spittler3
1University of Colorado School of Medicine, Denver, CO.
Background:
Acromioclavicular joint (ACJ) injuries are among the most common injuries in contact and non-contact sports. As winter sports become more popular, there has been an increase in shoulder injuries among recreational skiers and snowboarders.
Methods:
This was a retrospective analysis of all patients who presented to the Denver Health Winter Park Medical Center with ACJ injury from 2012 to 2017. We examined the incidence of ACJ injuries, the injury mechanism, demographics, and type of ACJ injuries among skiers and snowboarders treated at the clinic.
Results:
A total of 341 ACJ injuries (6.7% of total visits) were encountered during the study period. The majority of ACJ injures were type I (41.3%) and mainly occurred in men (86.5%). Most (96.8%) of the cases were primary ACJ injuries on the right shoulder (56.9%). The average age of patients with ACJ injuries was 30.0 years (range 10-72). More than half (62.2%) of ACJ injuries occurred while snowboarding. The most common mechanism of injury (93.5%) was fall to the snow while skiing/snowboarding. Women were more likely to have a type I ACJ injury than men (80.4% vs 35.4%; P < 0.001). Women with ACJ injuries were more likely to suffer the injury while skiing than snowboarding (71.7% vs 28.3%; P < 0.001), compared to men who were more likely to suffer the injury while snowboarding than skiing (67.5% vs 32.5%; P < 0.001).
Conclusions:
Most of the ACJ injuries were type I and occurred mostly in men. Snowboarders were more likely to have an ACJ injury than skiers.
Level Of Evidence:
Level IV, Epidemeiology Study.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Flail Chest-II
Assessment:
1. Clinical Evaluation:
History:
Fractures: Bone Repair
Minor fractures with no bone displacement are treated by immobilizing the fractured bone using a cast or splint. However, in the case of fractures with displaced bones, the broken bones are repositioned before immobilization to ensure successful healing without deformation and loss of function. The realignment of fractured bone ends is performed through a process called reduction. If the...
Ankle Joint
Burn Injuries
The damage results in the death of skin cells, which can lead to a massive loss of fluid. Dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, and renal and circulatory failure follow, which can be fatal. Burn patients are treated with intravenous fluids to offset...
Collisions in Multiple Dimensions: Problem Solving
A small car of mass 1,200 kg traveling east at 60 km/h collides at an intersection with a truck of mass 3,000 kg traveling due north at 40 km/h. The two vehicles are locked together. What is the...
Flail Chest-I
Flail chest is a severe and potentially life-threatening condition characterized by the fracture of three or more adjacent ribs in multiple places. It is most commonly caused by direct impacts and trauma, such as motor vehicle accidents or injuries from a steering wheel impact. It can also occur due to falls in elderly individuals with osteoporosis, or assaults involving sharp objects.
Pathophysiology
The pathophysiology of flail chest is complex, involving fractures of...

