Australian snowboard injury data base study. A four-year prospective study.
Information on the rate and spectrum of snowboarding injuries is limited. This 4-year prospective study at 3 major Australian ski resorts assesses incidence and patterns of snowboarding injuries, particularly in relation to skill level and footwear. Ski injury data were collected for the same period. In a predominantly male study population (men:women, 3:1), 276 snowboarding injuries were reported; 58% occurred in novices. Fifty-seven percent of injuries were in the lower limbs, 30% in the upper limbs. The most common injuries were sprains (53%), fractures (24%), and contusions (12%). Comparing skiers' versus snowboarders' injuries, snowboarders had 2.4 times as many fractures, particularly to the upper limbs (21% versus 35% of upper limb injuries), fewer knee injuries (23% versus 44% of lower limb injuries), but more ankle injuries (23% versus 6% of lower limb injuries). Ankle injuries were more common with soft-shell boots, worn most by intermediate and advanced riders. Knee injuries and distal tibial fractures were more common with hard-shell boots, worn most by novices. Overall, novices had more upper limb fractures and knee injuries; intermediate and advanced riders had more ankle injuries. Falls were the principal mode of injury. To prevent injury, beginners should use "hybrid" or soft-shell boots and take lessons.
Bladin
C
C
Victorian Ski Association, Australia.
Giddings
P
P
Robinson
M
M
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D016512:Ankle Injuries / Q000453:epidemiology; D001134:Arm Injuries / Q000145:classification / Q000453:epidemiology; D001265:Athletic Injuries / Q000145:classification / Q000453:epidemiology; D002648:Child; D003288:Contusions / Q000453:epidemiology; D016208:Databases, Factual; D004867:Equipment Design; D005260:Female; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007718:Knee Injuries / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009048:Motor Skills; D011379:Prognosis; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012865:Skiing / Q000145:classification / Q000293:injuries* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D013180:Sprains and Strains / Q000453:epidemiology; D014739:Victoria / Q000453:epidemiology