185 Skiing and Snowboarding-related Head Injuries in the United States: A Retrospective Analysis From 2004-2010

Abstract

Study Objectives: To determine the scope, trends, and characteristics of skiing and snowboarding-related head injuries presenting to emergency departments across the United States during 6 winter seasons from 2004-2010. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted using data from the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS) of the US Consumer Product Safety Commission. Sample weights calculated from the database were used to calculate national estimates of head injuries related to skiing and snowboarding. Narratives provided were used to characterize injury context and severity as well as identify prevalence of helmet use among patients. Results: An estimated 68,761 head injuries sustained while skiing or snowboarding presented to US emergency departments from 2004-2010. The estimated annual number of head injuries increased from 9,308 in the 2004-2005 season to 14,947 in the 2009-2010 season while the incidence of non-head injuries remained steady. Children (<10 years-old) were the only group to show a decrease proportion of annual head injuries from 11.7% to 4.6% of head-injured patients. Males accounted for 68.8% of head injuries and snowboarders for 57.9% of head injuries. Riders age 11-17-years-old sustained a greater proportion of head injuries (47.7%) than did any other age group. The most common diagnosis was concussion or closed head injury (CHI) at 67%. Over 1 in 10 patients required hospitalization. Helmet use was noted in approximately one-third of the narratives. The percentage of helmeted riders that sustained head injuries increased from 36.7% to 57.9% over the 6-year period, which correlates with National Ski Areas Association (NSSA) data on increases in helmet use in the general population. Estimates were calculated from 1,629 cases registered in the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System. Based on geographic locations of sample hospitals, calculated national estimates likely underestimate the total number of annual head injuries. Conclusion: Skiing and snowboarding-related head injuries presenting to US emergency departments increased from 2004-2010 at a higher rate than all other ski/snowboard-related injuries despite an increase in helmet use. The proportion of head injuries in children, however, has decreased. Males, snowboarders, and teenagers are most likely to be injured.