The increasing incidence of snowboard-related trauma

Abstract

Purpose-To investigate injuries among children and adolescents who participate in downhill sports.Methods-We collected trauma registry data (January 1999-May 2006) from a level 1 pediatric trauma center with an average snowfall of 28 in (71 cm)/y. Cases were analyzed for injury mechanism, injury type, organ injured, Injury Severity Score, age, sex, and whether or not an operation was required.Results-There were 57 snowboarders and 22 skiers admitted during the study period. Forty-one (72%) of snowboarders and 16 (73%) of skiers required operations; 32 (56%) of snowboarders and 9 (41%) of skiers sustained fractures; and 14 (25%) of snowboarders and 6 (27%) of skiers sustained abdominal injuries. (P = NS for all comparisons). Serious splenic injuries were more common in snowboarders (14% vs 4%), but the difference was not statistically significant. All skiing injuries occurred at recreational facilities (commercial skiing areas), whereas 12% of snowboard injuries occurred at home, other residence, or public parks (P = .08). The most striking finding is the rising number of snowboarding injuries and the relatively stable rate of skiing injuries (see graph).Conclusions-As the popularity of snowboarding rises, snowboarding injuries in children are increasing. Pediatric surgeons should be wary of the "snowboard spleen." Keywords Snowboard; Skiing; Recreation; Pediatric; Trauma Although downhill skiing is a well-established sport, snowboarding is relatively new: it was recognized by the International Olympic Committee in 1994 and premiered in the 1998 Winter Olympics in Nagano, Japan [1]. Snowboarding is remarkable for its dramatic rise in popularity [2] and its association with serious injuries [3]. The purpose of this study was to investigate skiing and snowboarding injuries at a level 1 pediatric trauma center that is located outside of the typical "snowbelt" in the United States.

Torino 2006 Winter Olympic Games: Highlight on Health Services Organization

“…Skeleton, snowboard, bobsleigh, and alpine and freestyle skiing had the highest medical attendance rate, which is consistent with the well-known incidence of injuries in downhill sports and potential dangers related to the high speed in bobsleigh and skeleton performances compared to other disciplines (27,28). Only 3% of curling athletes attended medical services.…”

Fractures in Children: Epidemiology and Activity-Specific Fracture Rates

“…Snowboarding has become an increasingly popular sport, and the snowboard-related trauma incidence has increased accordingly 22 . The International Ski Federation (Fédération Internationale de Ski, or FIS) provides safety rules for skiers as well as for snowboarders 23 .…”

Evaluation of skiing and snowboarding injuries sustained in terrain parks versus traditional slopes

“…The fixed leg position restricts lower body movement and may predispose to trunk or upper body movement that leads to injury 11. The triad of male gender, aerial manoeuvres (jumping) and abdominal trauma, specifically splenic injury, has been labelled ‘boarder belly’ or ‘snowboard spleen’ 26 27…”