Overuse injuries in the knee, back and hip of top elite female alpine skiers during the off-season preparation period: prevalence, severity and their association with traumatic preinjuries and training load

Abstract

ObjectivesTo investigate knee, back and hip overuse injuries in top female elite alpine skiers during the off-season preparation, which has so far received little attention, and to assess their relationship with traumatic preinjuries and overall training load.MethodsA cohort of 26 females of the Swiss Alpine Ski-Team were prospectively surveyed by the use of the Oslo Sports Trauma Research Centre questionnaire. Along with the surveys also total training loads were monitored. Data on preinjuries were assessed retrospectively by baseline questionnaires and were verified by team medical records.Results57.7% of the female skiers suffered from at least one severe traumatic knee injury during their preceding career. The average 2-weekly prevalence of overuse injuries was highest for the knee, followed by the back and hip. Technique specialists (major giant slalom and slalom) were more prone to back overuse injuries than speed specialists (major super-G and downhill). The occurrence of knee overuse complaints was directly associated to previous severe traumatic knee injuries and athletes' total training hours.ConclusionIn top female elite alpine skiers, knee, back and hip overuse injuries are relatively frequent. Moreover, discipline preferences, previous traumatic injuries and the overall training load may play an important role for their manifestation.

Femoroacetabular Impingement in Elite Skiers and Snowboarders: Return to Sports and Outcomes After Hip Arthroscopy

“…Overuse injuries in elite alpine skiers are common in the off–season and preparation period, and hip injuries are the third most prevalent behind knee and lumbar spine injuries. 13,14 In a previous study evaluating hip pathology and the mechanisms of injury in skiers and snowboarders who underwent surgical treatment, the authors found high–speed crashes to be common in alpine racers and aerials athletes, with labral tears and FAI revealed at surgery. 19 Cam hip morphology is additionally more prevalent among this population when compared with nonelite skiers.…”

“…19 Hip pathology in this high-demand group of athletes can drastically affect their performance and progress to worsening degeneration of the hip if underlying impingement is not adequately addressed. 16,17 Few studies have examined the prevalence of hip injuries in skiers and snowboarders, [13][14][15]19 and no studies, to our knowledge, have evaluated outcomes in individuals in this unique population who have undergone hip arthroscopy for FAI. The minimally invasive nature and advances in hip arthroscopic techniques have provided athletes a relatively rapid to return to sports at their preinjury levels.…”

“…Few studies have examined the prevalence of hip injuries in skiers and snowboarders, 13-15,19 and no studies, to our knowledge, have evaluated outcomes in individuals in this unique population who have undergone hip arthroscopy for FAI. The minimally invasive nature and advances in hip arthroscopic techniques have provided athletes a relatively rapid to return to sports at their preinjury levels.…”

Lumbar Multifidus Morphology in Youth Competitive Alpine Skiers and Associated Sex, Age, Biological Maturation, Trunk Stability, and Back Complaints

“…2 Studies on adult elite skiers showed that overuse-related back complaints occur both in the preparation phase (off- and on-snow training) and during the competition season. 11,12…”

“…2 Studies on adult elite skiers showed that overuse-related back complaints occur both in the preparation phase (off-and on-snow training) and during the competition season. 11,12 The role of the lumbar multifidus (LMF) in overuse-related back complaints has been studied extensively. 10 LMF size, more specifically anatomical cross-sectional area (ACSA), appears to be a relevant variable in low back pain.…”