Knee Injuries In Skiers Research Articles

Multiligament knee injuries in winter sports athletes

Multiligament knee injuries (MLKIs) are severe injuries that involve complete or partial tear to multiple ligaments of the knee, such as the cruciate ligaments, collateral ligaments, as well as structures such as the posteromedial and posterolateral corners. These injuries often occur as a result of high-energy trauma in motor vehicle accidents, but can also occur during sports activities such as a fall or collision while skiing or snowboarding. Diagnosis of an MLKI can be challenging due to the multifaceted nature of these injuries, and a comprehensive evaluation, including a thorough history, physical examination, and imaging studies, is necessary. Imaging methods, such as plain and stress radiographs and magnetic resonance imaging, are often used to confirm the diagnosis and assist in the establishment of a treatment plan. Treatment of MLKIs commonly involves surgical repair or reconstruction of torn ligaments and capsular structures, followed by lengthy rehabilitation focused on mobility, strength, and improving knee function. Return to sport is a concern, especially for those with many ligaments torn and those involving both cruciate ligaments and/or those involving the posterolateral corner. Prevention of MLKIs in skiing and snowboarding is important, and proper technique, equipment, risk awareness, and strengthening exercises can help reduce the risk of injury. While much is known about knee injuries in skiers, further research is needed to better understand MLKIs in ski and snowboard athletes, including the incidence, optimal management, and return to sport rates.

Kinesiophobia in Skiers with Knee Injuries

Abstract Introduction. Alpine skiing is one of the most dangerous winter sports that entails a high number of injuries, most commonly affecting the knee. Kinesiophobia is a condition in which an individual experiences fear of physical movement and activity as a result of feeling susceptible to injuries or recurrent injuries. The objective was to examine the level of kinesiophobia in skiers who have sustained knee injuries. Material and methods. The sample consisted of 22 female and 11 male professional skiers, with the average age of 24 ± 7.391 years. For the purpose of the assessment, the Tampa scale for kinesiophobia (TSK) was employed. Results. The number of knee injuries in skiers totals at least 1 and 11 at most, on average 2.45, most commonly involving the anterior cruciate ligament and meniscus. There were no significant differences between the left and the right knee or bilateral injuries. The average score in the TSK totals 36 points, which is close to the critical threshold of 37 points. 36% of the participants possess a high level of kinesiophobia. With respect to the general level of kinesiophobia, no significant differences were found in relation to gender, with regard to the number of surgeries or whether one or both knees were affected by injuries. Older skiers have also been found to have significantly lower fear of recurrent injuries. Conclusions. The number of knee injuries in skiing is high and aggravating, in such a way that almost one third of skiers that have sustained knee injuries experience a critical level of kinesiophobia, and that requires intervention. During rehabilitation, psychological support should also be provided to athletes in order to prevent or reduce kinesiophobia and thus prevent recurrent or new injuries.

The skier's knee

Abstract: Knee injuries in skiers have unique epidemiology and distinct mechanisms. Conversely, evaluation and treatment of the skier's knee is similar to evaluation and treatment of knee injuries in other athletes. A greater understaning of the epidemiology and mechanisms of knee injuries in skiers may aid arthroscopic clinicians and related researchers treating or investigating knee injuries in both skiers and in other athletes.

In-area and backcountry snowboarding: medical and safety aspects

Snowboarding is now a well-established winter sport and a popular mode of mountaineering. In-area and backcountry snowboarding are defined, as well as a new term, glisse, that refers to all types of skis and snowboards. New developments in equipment focus on boot and binding systems. Backcountry travel is highlighted, including ascent with snowshoes, skis, a splitboard, and crampons. Injuries are about 4-6 per 1000 snowboarding days. Upper extremity injuries are most often wrist sprains or fractures. Lower extremity injuries are primarily ankle sprains and are generally less severe than knee injuries in skiers. Fracture to the lateral process of the talus has been called snowboarder's fracture. Backcountry injuries include avalanche suffocation and trauma, deep snow immersion asphyxiation, hypothermia, frostbite, dehydration, fatigue, acute mountain sickness, and sunburn. Specific recommendations for prevention and safety are discussed.

The surgical treatment of knee injuries in skiers

Although the overall skin injury incidence continues to decline, knee injuries requiring surgery remain extremely common. Emphasis is placed on the history of the skier's fall in making an accurate diagnosis. This injury pattern is then assessed with the skier's age and activity level in determining the most appropriate surgical procedure. The actual surgical intervention is just a portion of the rehabilitation process in returning a skier back to sport as quickly as possible. The most common injuries requiring surgical intervention include meniscal tears, osteochondral fractures, and ligament tears. Our indications and techniques are described. Early focus on postoperative range of motion is emphasized. Strengthening begins only when full, pain-free range of motion is obtained. Utilizing these principles, our goals have been to complete the rehabilitation process coexistent with healing of the injury.

Knee injuries and Alpine skiing. Treatment and rehabilitation.

Alpine skiing is an increasingly popular recreational sport worldwide. While the overall injury rate has declined and the pattern of injury changed over the years, the incidence of knee injuries has not changed substantially and accounts for 20 to 30% of all alpine skiing injuries. Medial collateral ligament (MCL) injuries are the most common in skiing, accounting for 15 to 20% of all skiing injuries and 60% of knee injuries in skiers. Tears are commonly isolated, but may occur in association with other ligamentous injuries. Associated meniscal pathology is rare. Isolated MCL injuries are treated nonoperatively with a programme of initial immobilisation, early range-of-motion, and isometric quadriceps strengthening exercises. When full range of motion is achieved, a programme of progressive resistance exercises, isokinetic and closed chain exercises, and functional rehabilitation is instituted. Good results with return to skiing can be expected in most cases. Isolated lateral collateral ligament (LCL) injuries are rare in skiers. There is usually associated cruciate or arcuate ligament complex. Careful physical examination is essential to rule out associated ligament injuries and more complex instability patterns. In the rare case of isolated LCL injury, a similar approach to isolated MCL injury should be instituted. Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries have become increasingly common in skiers. This may reflect a true increase in the incidence or an improved awareness and ability to diagnose ACL injury. Physical examination and arthrometric analysis are important in assessing the integrity of the ACL. Radiographic and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) evaluation may be helpful in assessing associated meniscal pathology. Treatment of the ACL-deficient knee is usually surgical. However, prior to reconstruction, a programme aimed at reducing effusion and regaining a full, pain-free range of motion is recommended. Surgical reconstruction is usually with the central third of the patella tendon using a bone-tendon-bone autograft. Postoperative rehabilitation employs a functional staged approach, requiring vigilant supervision by the surgeon. Isolated posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) injury is rare in skiing, constituting less than 1% of all knee injuries in most series. Careful physical examination must be employed to rule out associated arcuate ligament complex injury and more complex patterns of instability. Most isolated PCL injuries are treated nonoperatively with a programme of initial immobilisation in extension, ice, protected weight-bearing, early range-of-motion exercises and progressive isometric strengthening.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)