The epidemiology of mountain bike park injuries at the Whistler Bike Park, British Columbia (BC), Canada.
OBJECTIVE
To describe the epidemiology of injuries sustained during the 2009 season at Whistler Mountain Bike Park.


METHODS
A retrospective chart review was performed of injured bike park cyclists presenting to the Whistler Health Clinic between May 16 and October 12, 2009.


RESULTS
Of 898 cases, 86% were male (median age, 26 years), 68.7% were Canadian, 19.4% required transport by the Whistler Bike Patrol, and 8.4% arrived by emergency medical services. Identification of 1759 specific injury diagnoses was made, including 420 fractures in 382 patients (42.5%). Upper extremity fractures predominated (75.4%), 11.2% had a traumatic brain injury, and 8.5% were transferred to a higher level of care: 7 by helicopter, 62 by ground, and 5 by personal vehicle. Two patients refused transfer.


CONCLUSIONS
Mountain bikers incurred many injuries with significant morbidity while riding in the Whistler Mountain Bike Park in 2009. Although exposure information is unavailable, these findings demonstrate serious risks associated with this sport and highlight the need for continued research into appropriate safety equipment and risk avoidance measures.
School of Medicine, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA.
Zachary
Z
Ashwell
Mary Pat
MP
McKay
Jeffery R
JR
Brubacher
Annie
A
Gareau
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001265:Athletic Injuries / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D001642:Bicycling / Q000293:injuries*; D001955:British Columbia / Q000453:epidemiology; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D006260:Head Protective Devices; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D015601:Injury Severity Score; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D012737:Sex Factors; D014193:Trauma Centers / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D014947:Wounds and Injuries / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D055815:Young Adult