Factors affecting injury severity among recreational skiers and snowboarders: an epidemiology study

Abstract

Different results have been reported for skiing and snowboarding injuries worldwide. Few studies consider the injury severity score (ISS) for the evaluation of differences among injured skiers-snowboarders. The aim of this study is to identify possible risk factors that affect the severity of skiing and snowboarding injuries in three winter seasons (2002-2005) in South Tyrol. For every injured skier or snowboarder referred to our emergency department in three consecutive seasons, the following data were collected: date of birth, gender, self-declared technical skills level, place of residence (local/non-local), as well as the date, time, and place of the accident. Type of injury and ISS were retrospectively assigned. Data concerning the snowfall in the last 24 h, average snow level, and outdoor air temperature values were obtained from four weather stations that were located inside the ski resorts. A multiple linear regression model was used to evaluate the association between ISS and potential determinants. In the analyzed seasons, 2,511 injured skiers and 843 injured snowboarders were evaluated at our emergency department. There was a significant change in the ISS value for subjects with different self-reported skills levels (P < 0.001). Men and non-local residents experienced more severe injuries than women and local residents, respectively (P < 0.013, P < 0.001). The ISS was higher for people aged over 60 (P < 0.001). Snowfalls brought about a decrease in accident severity (P = 0.009). The severity of the injuries increases with age. Prevention and information programs should be targeted to people who are at high risk of severe injury. A 24-h fresh snowfall seems to reduce the severity of injuries. Very little is known about snow conditions and winter sports injury. Further studies are needed to explore this field.

Surgical risks associated with winter sport tourism

“…Since the 1970s, their incidence has dropped by half while upper extremity fractures and knees sprains became the most common injury types [29,30]. Our results are consistent with previous studies evidencing an increase in the volume of orthopaedic procedures performed during winter around ski resorts [5,6,8,9,10,11,31,32]. The observed peak in emergency admissions for open surgery was primarily associated with tourist populations.…”

“…We assumed that an increased tourist influx coupled with high-risk injury cases [10] could saturate the emergency departments and disturb hospitals' internal organization by exceeding bed capacity and available staff resources [13]. Previous studies suggest that hospital crowding can lead to higher risks of mortality [14,15,16], readmission [14,16], and adverse events [14,15,16] for patients with longer stays [14].…”

Injuries in elite and recreational snowboarders

“…In terms of injury mechanism, those at the beginner level are likely to injure themselves during an isolated fall 16 29 30. However, when snowboarding injuries are stratified by skill-level, these types of injuries decrease and high-impact injuries associated with attempted expert tricks become more traumatic and more prevalent across all injury locations 9 16 29 52 53…”

Ski Lesions Around the Knee: A Literature Review

“…Continuing with the epidemiology review, Girardi et al [9] studied factors affecting injury severity using the Injury Severity Score (ISS). They found that being a man and being older than 60 years were risk factors for an increased ISS, while the ISS was lower in beginner skiers and during a snowfall.…”