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Spectrum of injuries from snowboarding
T K Chow1, S W Corbett, D J Farstad
1Department of Emergency Medicine, Loma Linda University Medical Center, California 92354, USA.
The Journal of Trauma
|August 1, 1996
Summary
Snowboarders sustain more upper limb injuries and fewer lower limb injuries than skiers, with wrist injuries being most common. Aerial maneuvers increase the risk of severe trauma, while collisions lead to more serious injuries.
Area of Science:
- Sports Medicine
- Trauma Surgery
- Orthopedics
Background:
- Snowboarding and skiing are popular winter sports with distinct injury profiles.
- Understanding these differences is crucial for injury prevention and treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare injury types, frequency, and risk factors between snowboarders and skiers.
- To identify specific injury patterns associated with different skiing and snowboarding activities.
Main Methods:
- A prospective survey was administered to injured snowboarders and skiers presenting to a rural hospital emergency department.
- Data collected included demographics, experience, equipment, and injury circumstances.
Main Results:
- Snowboarders, predominantly young males, had higher rates of upper limb injuries (58%) versus skiers (32%), and lower rates of lower extremity injuries (16% vs. 35%).
- Wrist injuries were most frequent. Aerial maneuvers correlated with head, face, spine, and abdominal injuries; collisions resulted in more severe injuries.
- Despite representing 20-25% of slope users, snowboarders accounted for 45% of emergency department visits.
Conclusions:
- Snowboarding injuries present a broad spectrum, from common extremity trauma to severe non-orthopedic injuries.
- Risk factors like aerial maneuvers and collisions significantly influence injury patterns and severity in winter sports participants.