In a time when the number of skiers has declined 25%, the number of
snowboarders has increased 77%, making snowboarding the fastest growing
winter sport in the US. Today, more than 3.4 million people snowboard.
They now comprise about 20% of the visitors to US ski resorts.
Snowboarding typically involves
riding an epoxy-fiberglass board (resembling a large skateboard) down a
ski slope or specially constructed pipe. The standard snowboarding
stance is much like that of a surfer with toes pointed to the side of
the board. Snowboarders ride with both feet affixed to the board by
non-releasable bindings. They do not typically use ski poles. Safety
equipment, which is usually used by racers but only sometimes by
recreational snowboarders, includes helmets, goggles, face guards, wrist
guards and forearm guards.
There are three styles of boots
worn by snowboarders: soft, hard and hybrid. Most recreational
snowboarders use soft boots, which allow moderate stability and moderate
flexibility. Hard boots, primarily worn by racers, provide greater ankle
support and increased control. Hybrid boots balance the increased
stability of hard boots with the increased comfort and maneuvering
ability of soft boots. Each type of boot places the body under different
stresses. Hard boots, for example, place the snowboarder at
approximately twice the risk of a knee injury compared with soft boots,
while soft boots give the snowboarder about twice the risk of ankle
injury compared to hard boots. Hiking boots or "moon boots" should never
be worn for snowboarding as they significantly increase the risk for
serious injury.
Types of Injuries
Beginning snowboarders are the most frequently injured even though they
attempt less dangerous maneuvers than advanced snowboarders. In fact,
nearly 25% of injuries occur during a snowboarder's first experience and
almost one-half occur during the first season of snowboarding. Simply
put, falling is the leading cause of injury and beginning snowboarders
are more likely to fall.
Compared to skiing, snowboarding injuries are more likely to involve the
upper extremities and the ankle. From 4% to 8% of snowboarding injuries
occur while the individual is waiting in a ski-lift line or entering or
existing ski lifts. These are often knee injuries. Serious, potentially
life-threatening injuries are rare; these most often occur from
collision with trees. Equipment failure rarely causes injury.
Today, fewer than one-third of
snowboarding injuries are to the lower extremities; the lead leg
accounts for almost 75% of such injuries. On average, wrist injuries
account for 23% of snowboarding injuries while ankle injuries account
for 16.7% and knee injuries account for 16.3%. Head injuries comprise
9.2% of injuries, while shoulder injuries represent 8.3%, trunk injuries
account for 7.8% and elbow injuries account for 4.4%. Wrist fractures
account for half of all fractures resulting from snowboarding. About 50%
of ankle injuries are fractures, and some, known as "snowboarder's
ankle," are difficult to diagnose as they appear to be severe ankle
sprains that don't respond to treatment.
Injury Prevention
After reviewing medical literature and holding discussions with members
of the US Snowboard Team, for which we are volunteer physicians, we
recommend the following tips for avoiding injuries:
-
Get in shape first. A regular
fitness program will make snowboarding easier and help prevent
injury.
-
Use the right equipment,
including snowboarding boots (soft ones for beginners). Start with
an all-purpose snowboard.
-
Learn from a trained instructor
in good weather.
-
Wear wristguards made for
snowboarding or in-line skating. This is particularly important for
novice snowboarders. If you don't use wristguards, keep your hands
in a closed fist position, which prevents falling on a hyperextended
wrist.
-
Consider using ski poles,
particularly for beginners who are more likely to fall. Take lessons
from an instructor who utilizes the ski-pole technique.
-
Wear a helmet. The back of the
head is a frequent impact area, especially for beginning
snowboarders.
-
Pick a skiing area that allows
snowboarders. Use slopes that have packed snow and are not crowded.
Avoid icy slopes.
For more detailed information, see
our article in the January 1, 1999, issue of American Family Physician.
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