Author(s): Made C; Elmqvist L;
Snowboard injuries in a Swedish ski area were evaluated from 1989 to 1999.
All injured skiers (alpine, telemark, snowboarders) who sought medical
attention at the local Medical Center within 48 h of the accident, were
asked to answer an injury form. Physicians assessed and treated the injured
skiers. There were a total of 1775 injured skiers; 568 injured snowboarders
mean age 19 years. The female/male ratio was 34/66%, the injury rate 3/1000
skier days, three times higher than that of alpine skiers. The skill level
of the injured snowboard riders improved during the period. The fall/run
ratio of the beginners was higher (1.0) and their risk behavior lower
(3.9 on visual analogue scale 1-10) in comparison to the advanced riders
(0.4 and 6.6, respectively). Injuries were in 54% located to the upper
extremity, 35% were wrist/lower arm injuries. Beginners had significantly
higher frequency of lower arm/wrist injuries (46%), than average (32%)
and advanced riders (20%). The most frequent single diagnosis was wrist/lower
arm fracture (20%). Advanced riders tend to have more head/neck injuries
than beginners, 17% vs. 13% (NS). Thus, with elevated skill level the
injury pattern changed. For injury prevention, wrist guards and helmets
are recommended for snowboard riders.
Scandinavian journal of medicine & science in sports.; 2004 Apr;14(2)
p128 -
As for myself, injured and almost dislocated my shoulders 3 times since trying to EC starting last year. Never injured my shoulders before... as for the helmet, I need to make a living for the family, no brain, no gain!!! (Besides, if I come back as a vegetable, my wife already threatened to disconnect the respirator....)
your wife is like mine, i guess we should create a club for them: 