Citation

O'Brien K, Poenaru D. CMAJ 1999; 160(3): 353-354.

Affiliation

Department of Surgery, Queen's University, Kingston, Ont.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1999, Canadian Medical Association)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

10065080

PMCID

PMC1230041

Abstract

Sledding accidents are frequent and vary in severity. Penetrating sledding injuries are uncommon but may be devastating. Snow-racers--sleds with both steering and braking devices--may be associated with an increased rate of injury. The authors present 2 cases of lower-torso penetrating trauma associated with the use of snow-racers. Both cases involved penetration--of the perineum in one case and the inguinal area in the other--by wooden sticks. Both patients recovered fully after prompt surgical intervention. The authors suggest that the absence of a protective panel at the front of the snow-racer may result in the sledder's lower torso being more exposed to objects encountered while sledding. The injuries reported raise concerns about the safety of modern sleds and the possibility that design changes are needed.

Language: en