Injury patterns in skiboarding. A 2-year study in Scotland.

Abstract

To examine the incidence and patterns of injury associated with skiboarding, a new snow sport whose popularity has increased in recent years. A prospective study of all injured skiboarders at Cairngorm, Glenshee and Nevis Range ski areas during the 1999-2000 and 2000-2001 winter seasons. Personal details, skiboarding parameters, diagnosis and treatment were recorded. Random counts were performed to analyse the percentage of skiboarders amongst the on-slope population. The 84 injuries were recorded in 80 individuals. The injury rate for skiboarding was 252 mean days between injury (MDBI). Skiboarders comprised 5% of the total on-slope population. Ligament sprains and fractures accounted for 49 and 36% of all injuries, respectively. Over 70% of all injuries affected the lower limb and 21% of injuries were below knee fractures. The incidence of upper limb injuries was lower than expected at 13% of total. Skiboarding, whilst not associated with an excess injury rate, has a unique pattern of injury with a higher fracture rate than any other snow sport. The rates of lower limb and upper limb injury may be explained by the use of a non-release binding and inherent differences in the nature of a skiboard fall.