TY  - JOUR
PY  - 2019//
TI  - Prospective analysis of surfing and bodyboard injuries
JO  - Trauma (Sage)
A1  - Dimmick, Simon
A1  - Gillett, Mark
A1  - Buchan, Craig
A1  - Sheehan, Patrick
A1  - Franks, Michelle
A1  - Ratchford, Andrew
A1  - Porges, Kate
A1  - Day, Robert
A1  - Milne, Tessa
A1  - Anderson, Suzanne
SP  - 113
EP  - 120
VL  - 21
IS  - 2
N2  - OBJECTIVETo assess the differences in the types of injuries sustained by surfboard and bodyboard riders and to identify common mechanisms of injury.<br><br>METHODSSubjects were prospectively recruited to the study on presentation to one of the six hospital emergency departments. Consented subjects completed a questionnaire while in the emergency departments. Data regarding radiological investigations undertaken and their findings were collected retrospectively.<br><br>RESULTSA total of 224 males and 28 females in the surfing group and 14 males in the bodyboard group were recruited. In surfers, the most common injured body parts were the head/face (115; 45.6%) and lower limb (69; 27.4%). Surfers were most commonly injured by a surfboard, either their own (178; 70.6%) or someone else's (18; 7.1%). Unfortunately, the small number of subjects recruited to the bodyboard group precluded meaningful comparison with the surfing group.<br><br>CONCLUSIONSThe most common body part injured in surfers is the head/face compared with the lower limbs in bodyboard riders. Contact with a surfer's board (most commonly their own) is the most common cause of injury. Significant spinal fractures/injuries are sustained when the surfer (usually their head) strikes the seafloor. Head and facial fractures occur when the surfer is struck by their own board. Future research into surfboard design which incorporates softer compounds into the deck, rail, and fins is recommended. The need for local authorities and surf lifesavers to disseminate information relating to specific beaches to the general public regarding surf conditions, water depth, and the nature of the seafloor is also essential for injury prevention.<p />  <p>Language: en</p>
LA  - en
SN  - 1460-4086
UR  - http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/1460408617753660
ID  - ref1
ER  -