title: Clinical Outcomes of Surgical Treatments for Traumatic Spinal Injuries due to Snowboarding.
abstract: METHODS
  Retrospective study.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To assess treatment outcomes of snowboarding-related spinal and spinal cord injuries.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  Snowboarding-related spinal or spinal cord injury have a great impact on social and sporting activities.
  
  
  METHODS
  A retrospective review of 19 cases of surgically treated snowboard-related injury was done. Analyzed parameters included site of injury, type of fracture, peri- and postoperative complications, pre- and postoperative neurological status, activities of daily living, and participation in sports activities at the final follow-up.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The major site of injury was the thoracolumbar junction caused by fracture-dislocation (13/19 cases). The remaining 6 cases had cervical spine injuries. Over 60% of the patients had Frankel A and B paralysis. All patients were surgically treated by posterior fusion with instrumentation. Five underwent additional anterior fusion. Surgical outcome was restoration of ambulatory capacity in 12 patients (63.2%). Ultimately, 15 patients (78.9%) could return to work. Patients with complete paralysis upon admission showed reduced ambulatory capacity compared to those with incomplete paralysis. None of the patients again participated in any sports activities, including snowboarding.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Snowboarding-related spinal or spinal cord injury has a great impact on social as well as sports activities. It is necessary to enhance promotion of injury prevention emphasizing the snowboarders' responsibility code.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Gifu University Graduate School of Medicine, Gifu, Japan.
authors.forename: Takahiro
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Masuda
authors.affiliation: Department of Regional Medicine and Musculoskeletal Science, Gifu University Graduate School of Medicine, Gifu, Japan.
authors.forename: Kei
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Miyamoto
authors.affiliation: Division of Orthopaedic Surgery, Ibi Kousei Hospital, Gifu, Japan.
authors.forename: Kazuhiko
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Wakahara
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Gifu University Graduate School of Medicine, Gifu, Japan.
authors.forename: Kazu
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Matsumoto
authors.affiliation: Spine Center, Matsunami General Hospital, Gifu, Japan.
authors.forename: Akira
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Hioki
authors.affiliation: Department of Regional Medicine and Musculoskeletal Science, Gifu University Graduate School of Medicine, Gifu, Japan.
authors.forename: Tetsuya
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Shimokawa
authors.affiliation: Spine Center, Gifu Municipal Hospital, Gifu, Japan.
authors.forename: Katsuji
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Shimizu
authors.affiliation: Advanced Critical Care Center, Gifu University Graduate School of Medicine, Gifu, Japan.
authors.forename: Shinji
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Ogura
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Gifu University Graduate School of Medicine, Gifu, Japan.
authors.forename: Haruhiko
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Akiyama
keywords: Clinical outcomes; Snowboarding; Spinal injury; Surgical treatment