%0 Journal Article
%T Head injury mechanisms in FIS World Cup alpine and freestyle skiers and snowboarders
%J British journal of sports medicine
%D 2018
%A Steenstrup, Sophie Elspeth
%A Bakken, Arnhild
%A Bere, Tone
%A Patton, Declan Alexander
%A Bahr, Roald
%V 52
%N 1
%P 61-69
%X INTRODUCTION: Head injuries represent a concern in skiing and snowboarding, with traumatic brain injuries being the most common cause of death. <br><br>AIM: To describe the mechanisms of head and face injuries among World Cup alpine and freestyle skiers and snowboarders. <br><br>METHODS: We performed a qualitative analysis of videos obtained of head and face injuries reported through the International Ski Federation Injury Surveillance System during 10 World Cup seasons (2006-2016). We analysed 57 head impact injury videos (alpine n=29, snowboard n=13, freestyle n=15), first independently and subsequently in a consensus meeting. <br><br>RESULTS: During the crash sequence, most athletes (84%) impacted the snow with the skis or board first, followed by the upper or lower extremities, buttocks/pelvis, back and, finally, the head. Alpine skiers had sideways (45%) and backwards pitching falls (35%), with impacts to the rear (38%) and side (35%) of the helmet. Freestyle skiers and snowboarders had backwards pitching falls (snowboard 77%, freestyle 53%), mainly with impacts to the rear of the helmet (snowboard 69%, freestyle 40%). There were three helmet ejections among alpine skiers (10% of cases), and 41% of alpine skiing injuries occurred due to inappropriate gate contact prior to falling. Athletes had one (47%) or two (28%) head impacts, and the first impact was the most severe (71%). Head impacts were mainly on snow (83%) on a downward slope (63%). <br><br>CONCLUSION: This study has identified several characteristics of the mechanisms of head injuries, which may be addressed to reduce risk.<br><br>© Article author(s) (or their employer(s) unless otherwise stated in the text of the article) 2017. All rights reserved. No commercial use is permitted unless otherwise expressly granted.<p /> <p>Language: en</p>
%G en
%I BMJ Publishing Group
%@ 0306-3674
%U http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/bjsports-2017-098240