Risk Factor Analysis of Ski and Snowboard Injuries During the 2023/2024 Winter Season: A Single, High-Volume Trauma...

Area of Science:

• Sports Medicine
• Trauma Surgery
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Slope-related accidents pose a significant public health concern during winter sports seasons.
• Understanding the epidemiology of these injuries is crucial for developing effective prevention strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the epidemiology of slope-related accidents at a high-volume trauma center.
• To analyze patient-related, equipment-related, and environment-related characteristics contributing to ski and snowboard injuries.

Main Methods:

• A 22-item questionnaire was administered to adult patients admitted for ski/snowboard injuries at Brixen Hospital.
• Data were collected during the 2023/24 winter season.
• Statistical analysis was performed on 579 completed questionnaires.

Main Results:

• Fractures were more prevalent in older patients (50.7 years) compared to those without fractures (45.4 years).
• Joint sprains/ligament strains, accounting for 36% of injuries, were more common in younger patients (45.5 years).
• Injury risk was significantly associated with age and skill level, with expert skiers experiencing more fractures.

Conclusions:

• Individual factors, particularly age and skiing/snowboarding skill level, are critical determinants of injury risk.
• Environmental factors like weather and slope difficulty showed no significant correlation with injury risk.
• Underestimation of fatigue and inadequate physical preparation are significant contributing factors to winter sports injuries.