SKIING, SNOWBOARDING, AND SLEDDING INJURIES

Abstract

This is a retrospective study of the serious skiing, snowboarding and sledding (inner tubing) injuries that occurred in Oregon from the 1992–1993 to the 1998–1999 ski seasons. Data were obtained from the Oregon Trauma Registry on all participants requiring transportation to tertiary trauma hospitals, for a total of 132 patients. Of these, 80% were male and 20% were female, with a mean age of 30.4 + 15.6 for skiers, 24.1 + 10.5 for snowboarders, and 18.8 + 11.9 for sledders. Collisions with fixed objects or other persons caused 28% of skiing, 16% of snowboarding and 85% of sledding injuries. Falls from a height comprised 9% of skiing, 29% of snowboarding, and 6% of sledding falls. (p < 0.001) Isolated falls caused 63% of the injuries in skiers and 55% of the injuries in snowboarders but only 9% of all injuries in sledders. (p < 0.001) Falls from a height comprised 9% of skiing, 29% of snowboarding, and 6% of sledding accidents. The mean Injury Severity Score (ISS) was 12.25 (SD 7.59) for skiers, 10.32 (SD 7.36) for snowboarders, and 12.76 (SD 8.46) for sledders. The types of injuries sustained did not differ significantly among sports although there was a trend toward more head injuries in sledders. Skiers sustained 38% head, 22% spine, 21% thoracic (including the chest, abdomen and pelvis), and 19% extremity injuries. Snowboarders had 29% head injuries, 32% spine, 29% thorax and 10% extremity injuries. In sledders, there were 53% head, 16% spine, 19% thorax, and 12% extremity injuries. The incidence of serious skiing and snowboarding injuries occurring in Oregon was estimated based on annual ski area visitation data at 6.4 injuries per million visits. There were a total of 4 deaths (3%), one each from snowboarding and skiing (head injuries), and two from sledding (one head and one thoracic injury). Fifteen patients were discharged with a GCS < 14 (11%). Eleven patients (8%), all with head and spine injuries, were discharged to rehabilitation or skilled nursing facilities, and 116 patients (88%) were discharged home. In conclusion, serious injuries due to these activities are a rare, but potentially debilitating occurrence. Head injuries account for the majority of deaths and functional impairment. Further research will be needed to identify potentially modifiable factors associated with serious injuries, and to determine in which situations helmets may be of greatest benefit.