Comparative Study of Craniofacial Injuries in Skiing Versus Snowboarding: A NEISS Database Study
Benjamin F Bitner1, Samipya Kafle2, Eric H Abello1
1Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of California Irvine, Orange, CA.
Introduction:
Skiing and snowboarding are popular winter sports which are rising in popularity. There is a lack of detailed data in the literature regarding skiing and snowboarding head and neck injuries, especially the rate of concussions with helmet use.
Methods:
The authors queried the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS) database to characterize patient demographics, injury types, subsite injured, and ED disposition associated with skiing and snowboarding-related head and neck injuries between 2009 and 2020 in the US.
Results:
An estimated 87,994 head and neck-related ski and snowboarding injuries were reported from 2011 to 2020 nationally. Ski-related and snowboard-related injuries comprised 51.9% and 48.1% of injuries, respectively. Ski-related injuries accounted for the majority of admissions (69.2%). Head injuries were the most common (68.3%), followed by injuries to the face (15.3%) and neck (12.2%). Concussions (57.7%) were the most common overall injury type and comprised 49.2% of admissions. Concussions were more common in snowboarding injuries (65.6% versus 50.3%, P<0.001), whereas lacerations (11.1% versus 14.4%), contusion/abrasions (6.7% versus 11.1%), and fractures (2.9% versus 7.0%) were more common in ski-related injuries. Cases with negative helmet status were associated with a greater proportion of concussion injuries (79.8% versus 70.9%, P<0.001).
Conclusions:
Patients presenting with skiing or snowboarding injuries require a thorough head and neck examination. A comprehensive history and physical should be performed with a focus on helmet use and evaluation for concussion, lacerations, and fractures. Helmet use is strongly recommended to prevent the risk of head injury.
Level Of Evidence:
IV.
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