TY  - JOUR
PY  - 2017//
TI  - The spectrum of pediatric injuries sustained in snow sports
JO  - Journal of pediatric surgery
A1  - Summers, Zara
A1  - Teague, Warwick J.
A1  - Hutson, John M.
A1  - Palmer, Cameron S.
A1  - Jowett, Helen E.
A1  - King, Sebastian K.
SP  - 2038
EP  - 2041
VL  - 52
IS  - 12
N2  - BACKGROUND: Snow sports are popular among children but carry the potential for significant injury. Head injuries are less common than fractures and sprains but may be fatal. Helmets are recommended for all snow sports, and yet their effectiveness remains unknown. We aimed to evaluate the spectrum of injuries sustained at three large alpine resorts and to assess the effect of helmet usage on injury severity. <br><br>METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected pediatric trauma data (2005-2015) from the three largest alpine resorts in our state. Data were analyzed using Spearman's correlation, chi-square, and odds ratio. <br><br>RESULTS: A total of 6299 incidents were reviewed. Skiers accounted for 3821 (60.7%) patients, while snowboarders accounted for 2422 (38.5%) patients. More than half (53.5%) of the injuries were related to falls, predominantly affecting knees in skiers and wrists in snowboarders. Overall, helmet usage decreased with age (p<0.001), though helmet uptake was positively associated with higher level of ability in both skiers and snowboarders (p<0.001). Concussions in both skiers and snowboarders were inversely correlated with the rates of helmet usage (p<0.05). <br><br>CONCLUSION: Helmet usage was associated with reduced rates of concussion. However, helmet usage decreased with age. We advocate for promotion of helmet usage, using mandatory guidelines, across all pediatric age groups. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level II - Retrospective study.<br><br>Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.<p />  <p>Language: en</p>
LA  - en
SN  - 0022-3468
UR  - http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2017.08.038
ID  - ref1
ER  -