Snowboard injuries

Abstract

A retrospective survey of 267 snowboarders was un dertaken to determine the population at risk and types and mechanisms of injuries sustained in this sport. Snowboarders are young (average age, 21 years), male (>90%), view themselves in average or above average physical condition (96%), and have varied sports inter ests. One hundred ten injuries that resulted in a physi cian visit were reported. Ligament sprains, fractures, and contusions were the most frequent types of injury. Fifty percent of all injuries occurred in the lower extrem ities, with ankle injuries being the most common. Snow board riders using equipment with increased ankle sup port seem to be more protected from lower extremity injuries. The lower extremity injuries were concentrated in the forward limb of the snowboarder, where the rider's weight is disproportionately distributed. Differ ences in the mechanism and spectrum of injury be tween snowboarding and skiing injuries were noted, including: impact rather than torsion as the major mech anism of injury, a significant lack of thumb injuries, comparative increase in ankle injuries, a decrease in knee injuries, and a higher percentage of upper extrem ity injuries.