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Selected Publication:
SHR Neuro Cancer Cardio Lipid Metab Microb
Castellani, C; Singer, G; Petnehazy, T; Wernitznigg, D; Till, H.
Injury Pattern of Children and Adolescents on Styrian Ski Slopes Accident Analysis of Winter Sport Resorts holding the Styrian Slope Certificate
PADIATR PADOL. 2018; 53(5): 226-230.
Doi: 10.1007/s00608-018-0608-z
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- Leading authors Med Uni Graz
- Castellani Christoph
- Co-authors Med Uni Graz
- Singer Georg
- Till Holger
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- Abstract:
- Winter sport has a long tradition in Austria. Besides the recuperative and recreational aspects for the individual winter guest, winter sports play an important economic role. The Styrian Slope Certificate aims to improve infrastructural quality in Styrian ski resorts to reduce the number of winter sport accidents. For every accident requiring the presence of the ski patrol, a standardized form is routinely completed. For this study, the forms of the 2014/2015 season were analyzed in detail, specifically focusing on the injury patterns of children and adolescents. Moreover, patients' data at the local hospitals were retrieved if available. Of a total of 1,844 documented skiing accidents, 464 involved children or adolescents. The most common site of accidents was the middle of the ski slopes, where accidents predominantly occurred around noon and in the early afternoon. Most of the injured were transported by snow mobile, lift or rescue sledge. In almost 10% of the accidents, the use of a rescue helicopter was required. The most commonly injured body regions were the forearm, knee, lower leg, and shoulder. An analysis of types of winter sports showed that snowboarders sustained more injuries of the forearm, and skiers had a predominance of knee and lower leg lesions. Fractures were sustained by 51.2% of all of those injured. Inpatient treatment was required by 22.7% of cases, 44.2% of which needed a surgical intervention. With regard to future prevention strategies, focus should be on the middle of the slope as the most common accident site. Additionally, the high number of knee and lower leg injuries should prompt essential annual checks of binding and ski boots by specialists.