Citation

Hayes JR, Groner JI. J. Pediatr. Surg. 2008; 43(5): 928-930.

Affiliation

The Trauma Program, Columbus Children's Hospital, and The Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH 43205, USA.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2008, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2007.12.041

PMID

18485968

Abstract

PURPOSE: To investigate injuries among children and adolescents who participate in downhill sports. METHODS: We collected trauma registry data (January 1999-May 2006) from a level 1 pediatric trauma center with an average snowfall of 28 in (71 cm)/y. Cases were analyzed for injury mechanism, injury type, organ injured, Injury Severity Score, age, sex, and whether or not an operation was required. RESULTS: There were 57 snowboarders and 22 skiers admitted during the study period. Forty-one (72%) of snowboarders and 16 (73%) of skiers required operations; 32 (56%) of snowboarders and 9 (41%) of skiers sustained fractures; and 14 (25%) of snowboarders and 6 (27%) of skiers sustained abdominal injuries. (P = NS for all comparisons). Serious splenic injuries were more common in snowboarders (14% vs 4%), but the difference was not statistically significant. All skiing injuries occurred at recreational facilities (commercial skiing areas), whereas 12% of snowboard injuries occurred at home, other residence, or public parks (P = .08). The most striking finding is the rising number of snowboarding injuries and the relatively stable rate of skiing injuries (see graph). CONCLUSIONS: As the popularity of snowboarding rises, snowboarding injuries in children are increasing. Pediatric surgeons should be wary of the"snowboard spleen."

Language: en