[Wrist para-articular radius fractures in winter sports]

Winter sport is of great importance in the Alpine countries. In 1980 3600 persons (10.24%) of all new admittances hospitalized in our hospital were injured when practicing winter sports. In 1983 they lessened to 2597 (7.73%) and in 1985 2999 (5.74%). Analysis of all injuries caused by winter sport activities shows that the number of injured persons is decreasing, severity of the injuries however, increasing. A comparison of the distal radius fractures in 1980, 1983 and 1985 indicates that extraarticular metaphyseal fracture types have decreased, intraarticular fracture with multiple fragments however, have increased. Mainly younger patient suffer from severe fractures. We regard the high pace-risk of the age group as the main course of this fact.