Citation

Zacharopoulos AN, Smyrnis A, Vlastos I, Zafeiriou C. Ski. Trauma Saf. 2015; 20: 122-137.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2015, ASTM International)

DOI

10.1520/STP158220140006

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine the incidence and injury types in Greece. In a prospective case-control study, 2227 injured skiers and snowboarders at Parnassus ski resort, during the period 2007-2013 (six winter seasons) were recorded. At the same time, a control group of 1026 uninjured skiers and boarders, randomly selected on the slopes, were also recorded on a similar protocol. Statistical analysis was performed. The injury rate is 4.1 injuries per 1000 skier days. Lower limb injuries are the most common among skiers (51.4 %) and females have a significantly higher prevalence of lower limb injuries than males. Snowboarders frequently sustain more upper limb injuries (48.9 %). Contusions and ligament sprains are the most common types of injuries of both skiers and snowboarders, but snowboarders suffered significantly more fractures than skiers (16.3 % versus 6.3 %). Almost 50 % of all injuries in female skiers are injuries of the knee (P < 0.001). The possibility for a female skier to sustain a knee ligament injury is almost double. The opposite is observed for shoulder injuries. Male snowboarders sustain more clavicle and shoulder injuries than females. Women sustain more injuries of the wrist, having almost the double the possibility to sustain a wrist fracture. In conclusion, the incidence of snow sport injuries in Greece has declined, but it still remains higher than those reported from other countries. Children and adolescents are more than twice as likely to be injured as older skiers. First day skiers and boarders have twice the possibility to sustain an injury. Rented equipment is another significant risk factor for injuries for intermediate skiers. The use of a wrist protector significantly decreased the wrist injuries in snowboarders. Women are at higher risk of sustaining knee ligament injuries in skiing and wrist fractures in snowboarding.

Language: en