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Citation
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Hasler RM, Dubler S, Benneker LM, Martinolli L, Zimmermann H, Exadaktylos AK. Inj. Extra 2010; 41(12): 133. |
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Abstract
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Objective: Although there are many reports in the literature on the epidemiology and injury patterns of ski and snowboarding injuries and data on risk factors are limited. The large number of snow sports-related injuries and the rising costs of healthcare prompted our institution to explore ways of cooperating with other trauma centres to increase the efficiency of injury prevention measures by identifying risk factors in skiing and snowboarding.
Materials and methods: A case–control multicentre survey of injured and non-injured alpine skiers and snowboarders. One tertiary and two secondary trauma centres participated. All injured skiers and snowboarders completed a questionnaire incorporating 15 variables. The same questionnaire was distributed to non-injured controls. Multiple logistic regression was performed. Patterns of combined risk factors were calculated by inference trees.
Results: 306 patients and 253 controls were interviewed. Variables significant for the patients: Low speed (OR 0.20, 95% CI: 0.06–0.64, p = 0.0037), bad weather/visibility (OR 19.06, 95% CI: 2.70–134.73, p = 0.0031), and old snow (OR 0.11, 95% CI: 0.02–0.68, p = 0.0323). Not wearing a helmet and riding on icy slopes emerged as a combination of risk factors associated with injury.
Conclusions: It is likely that multiple factors are responsible for injuries, rather than single ones. Future research should be aimed at identifying risk groups and developing recommendations or educational intervention programs specific to these groups. In general snowboarders should be made more aware of snow and weather conditions at valley stations. Training should include as a focus the ability to gauge slope conditions and adapt the speed of the descent accordingly. The importance of protective equipment and the avoidance of drugs should be stressed. |