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Citation
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Castellani C, Singer G, Kaiser M, Petnehazy T, Wernitznigg D, Kaulfersch C, Fritsch G, Spitzer P, Till H. J. Sports Med. Phys. Fitness 2019; 59(4): 648-654. |
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Abstract
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BACKGROUND: The aim of this investigation is to provide a detailed analysis of accidents on ski slopes of Styrian resorts comparing two winter seasons.
METHODS: Accident data requiring the presence of the ski patrol of the seasons 2007/08 (10 skiing resorts with 1,029 injuries) and 2014/15 (8 resorts with 1,844 injuries) were recorded. Accidents were normalized to 1,000 skier days and 10,000 lift transports. Patients were followed to hospitals to obtain information about injured body region, final diagnosis and type of treatment.
RESULTS: A slight increase of injuries from 0.5 to 0.7 per 1,000 skier-days was found (p=0.046). Overall, the knee was most commonly affected followed by shoulder, lower leg, head and forearm. While the shoulder was most often affected in men the knee was most commonly affected in women. Patients <15 years had a higher prevalence of forearm injuries. Comparing the two seasons the use of helmets and spine protectors increased, associated with decreased injuries of these body regions. The hospitalization rate was 26% in both seasons; patients <15 years required less inpatient treatment than older ones.
CONCLUSIONS: Different injury patterns between gender and age-groups have to be taken into account for future preventive measures. The increased acceptance of safety equipment was associated with reduced injury rates of the respective body regions.
RESULTS of the present study can facilitate to develop future injury prevention strategies in order to further decrease the number of casualties on ski slopes.
Language: en |