Skip to main content

Evaluation of Injury and Fatality Risk in Rock and Ice Climbing

Sports Medicine volume 40, pages 657–679 (2010)Cite this article

Abstract

Rock and ice climbing are widely considered to be ‘high-risk’ sporting activities that are associated with a high incidence of severe injury and even death, compared with more mainstream sports. However, objective scientific data to support this perception are questionable. Accordingly, >400 sport-specific injury studies were analysed and compared by quantifying the injury incidence and objectively grading the injury severity (using the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics score) per 1000 hours of sporting participation. Fatalities were also analysed. The analysis revealed that fatalities occurred in all sports, but it was not always clear whether the sport itself or pre-existing health conditions contributed or caused the deaths. Bouldering (ropeless climbing to low heights), sport climbing (mostly bolt protected lead climbing with little objective danger) and indoor climbing (climbing indoors on artificial rock structures), showed a small injury rate, minor injury severity and few fatalities. As more objective/external dangers exist for alpine and ice climbing, the injury rate, injury severity and fatality were all higher. Overall, climbing sports had a lower injury incidence and severity score than many popular sports, including basketball, sailing or soccer; indoor climbing ranked the lowest in terms of injuries of all sports assessed. Nevertheless, a fatality risk remains, especially in alpine and ice climbing. In the absence of a standard definition for a ‘high-risk’ sport, categorizing climbing as a high-risk sport was found to be either subjective or dependent on the definition used. In conclusion, this analysis showed that retrospective data on sport-specific injuries and fatalities are not reported in a standardized manner. To improve preventative injury measures for climbing sports, it is recommended that a standardized, robust and comprehensive sport-specific scoring model should be developed to report and fully evaluate the injury risk, severity of injuries and fatality risk in climbing sports.

This is a preview of subscription content, access via your institution.

Access options

Buy single article

Instant access to the full article PDF.

USD 49.95

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Table I
Table II
Table III
Table IV
Table V
Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
Fig. 4
Table VI

References

  1. Schöffl V, Schöffl I, Schwarz U, et al. Injury-risk evaluation in water ice climbing. Med Sport 2009; 2 (1-2): E32–8

    Google Scholar 

  2. Union International des Associations d’Alpinisme 2008 [online]. Available from URL: http://ww.uiaa.ch [Accessed2009 Jan 5]

  3. International Federation of Sport Climbing [online]. Available from URL: http://www.ifsc-climbing.org [Accessed2009 Jan 5]

  4. Hochholzer T, Schöffl V. One move too many. 2nd ed. Ebenhausen: Lochner Verlag, 2006

    Google Scholar 

  5. Schöffl V, Küpper T. Injuries at the 2005 World Championships in rock climbing. Wilderness Environ Med 2006; 17: 187–90

    PubMed  Article  Google Scholar 

  6. Morrison AB, Schoffl VR. Review of the physiological responses to rock climbing in young climbers. Br J Sports Med 2007; 41 (12): 852–61

    PubMed  Article  Google Scholar 

  7. The British Mountaineering Council 2009 [online]. Available from URL: http://www.thebmc.co.uk [Accessed 2009 Jan 5]

  8. Schöffl V, Winkelmann HP. Accident statistics at ‘indoor climbing walls’ [in German]. Sportverletz Sportschaden 1999 Mar; 13 (1): 14–6

    PubMed  Article  Google Scholar 

  9. Schöffl VR, Harrer J, Kupper T. Biceps tendon ruptures in rock climbers. Clin J Sport Med 2006 Sep; 16 (5): 426–7

    PubMed  Article  Google Scholar 

  10. Wright DM, Royle TJ, Marshall T. Indoor rock climbing: who gets injured? Br J Sports Med 2001 Jun; 35 (3): 181–5

    PubMed  CAS  Article  Google Scholar 

  11. Schöffl V, Kupper T. Rope tangling injuries: how should a climber fall? Wilderness Environ Med 2008 Summer; 19 (2): 146–9

    PubMed  Article  Google Scholar 

  12. Smith LO. Alpine climbing: injuries and illness. Phys Med Rehabil Clin N Am 2006 Aug; 17 (3): 633–44

    PubMed  Article  Google Scholar 

  13. Schöffl VR, Hochholzer T, Imhoff AB, et al. Radiographic adaptations to the stress of high-level rock climbing injunior athletes: a 5-year longitudinal study of the Germanjunior national team and a group of recreational climbers. Am J Sports Med 2007 Jan; 35 (1): 86–92

    PubMed  Article  Google Scholar 

  14. Schöffl V, Hochholzer T, Imhoff A. Radiographic changes in the hands and fingers of young, high-level climbers. AmJ Sports Med 2004 Oct; 32 (7): 1688–94

    Article  Google Scholar 

  15. Schöffl V, Hochholzer T, Winkelmann HP, et al. Pulley injuries in rock climbers. Wilderness Environ Med 2003 Summer; 14 (2): 94–100

    PubMed  Article  Google Scholar 

  16. Gerdes EM, Hafner JW, Aldag JC. Injury patterns and safety practices of rock climbers. J Trauma 2006 Dec; 61 (6): 1517–25

    PubMed  Article  Google Scholar 

  17. Rooks MD. Rock climbing injuries. Sports Med 1997 Apr; 23 (4): 261–70

    PubMed  CAS  Article  Google Scholar 

  18. Rooks MD, Johnston 3rd RB, Ensor CD, et al. Injury patterns in recreational rock climbers. Am J Sports Med 1995 Nov-Dec; 23 (6): 683–5

    PubMed  CAS  Article  Google Scholar 

  19. Paige TE, Fiore DC, Houston JD. Injury in traditional and sport rock climbing. Wilderness Environ Med 1998; 9 (1): 2–7

    PubMed  CAS  Article  Google Scholar 

  20. Schussmann LC, Lutz LJ, Shaw RR, et al. The epidemiology of mountaineering and rock climbing accidents. Wilderness Environ Med 1990; 1: 235–48

    Article  Google Scholar 

  21. Bowie WS, Hunt TK, Allen Jr HA. Rock-climbing injuries in Yosemite National Park. West J Med 1988 Aug; 149 (2): 172–7

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  22. Addiss DG, Baker SP. Mountaineering and rock-climbing injuries in US national parks. Ann Emerg Med 1989 Sep; 18 (9): 975–9

    PubMed  CAS  Article  Google Scholar 

  23. Limb D. Injuries on British climbing walls. Br J Sports Med 1995 Sep; 29 (3): 168–70

    PubMed  CAS  Article  Google Scholar 

  24. Bannister P, Foster P. Upper limb injuries associated with rock climbing [abstract]. Br J Sports Med 1986 Jun; 20 (2): 55

    PubMed  CAS  Article  Google Scholar 

  25. Haas JC, Meyers MC. Rock climbing injuries. Sports Med 1995 Sep; 20 (3): 199–205

    PubMed  CAS  Article  Google Scholar 

  26. Jebson JL, Steyers CM. Hand injuries in rock climbing: reaching the right treatment. Physician Sportsmed 1997; 25 (5): 1–7

    Google Scholar 

  27. Killian RB, Nishimoto GS, Page JC. Foot and ankle injuries related to rock climbing: the role of footwear. J Am Podiatr Med Assoc 1998 Aug; 88 (8): 365–74

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  28. Largiader U, Oelz O. An analysis of overstrain injuries in rock climbing. Schweiz Z Sportmed 1993 Sep; 41 (3): 107–14

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  29. Logan AJ, Makwana N, Mason G, et al. Acute hand and wrist injuries in experienced rock climbers. Br J Sports Med 2004 Oct; 38 (5): 545–8

    PubMed  CAS  Article  Google Scholar 

  30. Rane A, Leal C. Injuries in sport climbing. In: Dubas F, Valloton J, editors. A colour atlas of mountain medicine. London: Wolfe Publishing, 1991: 176–82

    Google Scholar 

  31. Rohrbough JT, Mudge MK, Schilling RC. Overuse injuries in the elite rock climber. Med Sci Sports Exerc 2000 Aug; 32 (8): 1369–72

    PubMed  CAS  Article  Google Scholar 

  32. Schafer J, Gaulrapp H, Pforringer W. Acute and chronicoveruse injuries in extreme sport-climbing. Sportverletz Sportschaden 1998 Mar; 12 (1): 21–5

    PubMed  CAS  Article  Google Scholar 

  33. Wyatt JP, McNaughton GW, Grant PT. A prospective study of rock climbing injuries. Br J Sports Med 1996 Jun; 30 (2): 148–50

    PubMed  CAS  Article  Google Scholar 

  34. Pfeifer C, Messner K, Scherer R, et al. Injury pattern and overuse stress syndrome in young sport climbers. Wien Klin Wochenschr 2000 Nov 24; 112 (22): 965–72

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  35. Holtzhausen LM, Noakes TD. Elbow, forearm, wrist, and hand injuries among sport rock climbers. Clin J Sport Med 1996 Jul; 6 (3): 196–203

    PubMed  CAS  Article  Google Scholar 

  36. Stelzle FD, Gaulrapp H, Pforringer W. Injuries and overuse syndromes due to rock climbing on artificial walls. Sportverletz Sportschaden 2000 Dec; 14 (4): 128–33

    PubMed  CAS  Article  Google Scholar 

  37. Hochholzer T, Schöffl VR. Epiphyseal fractures of the finger middle joints in young sport climbers. Wilderness Environ Med 2005 Fall; 16 (3): 139–42

    PubMed  Article  Google Scholar 

  38. Schöffl V, Hochholzer T, Winkelmann HP, et al. Differential diagnosis of finger pain in sport climbers [inGerman]. D Z Sportmed 2003; 54: 38–43

    Google Scholar 

  39. Schöffl VR, Schoffl I. Finger pain in rock climbers: reaching the right differential diagnosis and therapy. J Sports Med Phys Fitness 2007 Mar; 47 (1): 70–8

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  40. Taro K, Dowell W, Rawe J, et al. Why we take risks. Time Magazine (US ed.) 1999 Sep; 6: 1–6

    Google Scholar 

  41. Greenfeld KT, Dowell W, Rawe J, et al. Life on the edge. Time Magazine (US ed) 1999 Sep; 6: 1–7

    Google Scholar 

  42. UK Health and Safety Executive 2009 [online]. Available from URL: http://www.hse.gov.uk/education/statistics.htm [Accessed 2009 Feb 7]

  43. Valuri G, Stevenson M, Finch C, et al. The validity of a four week self-recall of sports injuries. Injury Prev 2005; 11: 135–7

    CAS  Article  Google Scholar 

  44. Veldman A, Fischer D, Brand J, et al. Proposal for a new scoring system in international interhospital air transport. J Travel Med 2001; 8: 154–7

    PubMed  CAS  Article  Google Scholar 

  45. Mosimann U. Notfälle beim Eisklettern. Bergundsteigen 2006; 1 (4): 70–3

    Google Scholar 

  46. Bein T. Scores-Hilfsmittel zur Risikoeinschätzung. In: Madler C, Jauch K, Werdan K, et al., editors. Das NAW Buch: Akutmedizin der ersten 24 Stunden. 3rd ed. München, Jena: Elvesier, Urban & Fischer, 2005: 193–9

    Google Scholar 

  47. öGAN. Scoring systeme im rettungsdienst 2008 [online]. Available from URL: http://www.oegan.at [Accessed2008 Jan 8]

    Google Scholar 

  48. Schöffl V, Klee S, Strecker W. Evaluation of physiological standard pressures of the forearm flexor muscles duringsport specific ergometry in sport climbers. Br J Sports Med 2004 Aug; 38 (4): 422–5

    Article  Google Scholar 

  49. Jakus PM, Shaw WD. An empirical analysis of rock climbers’ response to hazard warnings. Risk Anal 1996 Aug; 16 (4): 581–6

    PubMed  CAS  Article  Google Scholar 

  50. DAV. Bergunfallstatistik 2004–2005. München: German Alpine Club, 2006

    Google Scholar 

  51. Josephsen G, Shinneman S, Tamayo-Sarver J, et al. Injuries in bouldering: a prospective study. Wilderness Environ Med 2007 Winter; 18 (4): 271–80

    PubMed  Article  Google Scholar 

  52. Jones G, Asghar A, Llewellyn DJ. The epidemiology of rock climbing injuries. Br J Sports Med 2007; 42: 773–8

    PubMed  Article  Google Scholar 

  53. Nelson NG, McKenzie LB. Rock climbing injuries treated in emergency departments in the US, 1990-2007. Am JPrev Med 2009 Sep; 37 (3): 195–200

    Article  Google Scholar 

  54. American Alpine Club. Accidents in North American mountaineering [letter]. Am Alpine Club 2006; 9 (1): 59

    Google Scholar 

  55. Canadian Alpine Club. Accidents in North American mountaineering: Canadian Alpine Club, 2005. Available from URL: http://www.alpineclub-edm.org/accidents/type.asp?type=Ice+Climbing [Accessed 2007 Dec 30]

    Google Scholar 

  56. Malcom M. Mountaineering fatalities in Mt Cook National Park. N Z Med J 2001; 114 (1127): 78–80

    Google Scholar 

  57. Stephens BD, Diekema DS, Klein EJ. Recreational injuries in Washington State National Parks. Wilderness Environ Med 2005; 16 (4): 192–7

    PubMed  Article  Google Scholar 

  58. Monasterio ME. Accident and fatality characteristics in a population of mountain climbers in New Zealand [abstract]. N Z Med J 2005 Jan 28; 118 (1208): U1249

    Google Scholar 

  59. Firth PG, Zheng H, Windsor JS, et al. Mortality on Mount Everest, 1921-2006: descriptive study [abstract]. BMJ 2008; 337: a2654

    Article  Google Scholar 

  60. Hearns ST, Fraser MH, Allan DB, et al. Spinal injuries in Scottish mountaineers. Wilderness Environ Med 2006 Fall; 17 (3): 191–4

    PubMed  Article  Google Scholar 

  61. McIntosh SE, Leemon D, Visitacion J, et al. Medical incidents and evacuations on wilderness expeditions. Wilderness Environ Med 2007; 18: 298–304

    PubMed  Article  Google Scholar 

  62. McIntosh SE, Campbell AD, Dow J, et al. Mountaineering fatalities on Denali. High Alt Med Biol 2008 Spring; 9 (1): 89–95

    PubMed  Article  Google Scholar 

  63. McLennan JG, Ungersma J. Mountaineering accidents in the Sierra Nevada. Am J Sports Med 1982; 11: 160–3

    Article  Google Scholar 

  64. Schöffl V. Sportklettern. In: Engelhardt M, editor. Sportverletzungen: Elsevier, Urban & Fischer, 2006: 455–60

  65. Hochholzer T, Schöffl V. One move too many. Ebenhausen: Lochner Verlag, 2003

    Google Scholar 

  66. Carmeli E, Wertheim M. Handverletzungen bei jugendlichen und erwachsenen sportkletterern: hand injuriesin young and old wall climbers. Dtsch Z Sportmed 2001; 52 (10): 285–8

    Google Scholar 

  67. Bollen SR. Upper limb injuries in elite rock climbers. J R Coll Surg Edinb 1990 Dec; 35 (6 Suppl.): S18–20

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  68. Bollen SR. Injury to the A2 pulley in rock climbers. J Hand Surg [Br] 1990 May; 15 (2): 268–70

    CAS  Article  Google Scholar 

  69. Bollen SR, Gunson CK. Hand injuries in competition climbers. Br J Sports Med 1990 Mar; 24 (1): 16–8

    PubMed  CAS  Article  Google Scholar 

  70. Kubiak EN, Klugman JA, Bosco JA. Hand injuries in rock climbers. Bull NYU Hosp Joint Dis 2006; 64 (3-4): 172–7

    Google Scholar 

  71. Schöffl V. Handverletzungen beim klettern: hand injuries in rock climbing. Dtsch Z Sportmed 2008; 59 (4): 85–90

    Google Scholar 

  72. Schöffl V, Schöffl I. Finger pain in rock climbers-reaching the right differential diagnosis. J Sports Med Phys Fitness 2007; 47 (1): 70–8

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  73. Schöffl V, Winkelmann HP. FuXdeformitäten bei sportkletterern: foot deformations in sportclimbers. Dtsch ZSportmed 1999; 50: 73–6

    Google Scholar 

  74. Watson DS, Mehan TJ, Smith GA, et al. Golf cart-related injuries in the US. Am J Prev Med 2008 Jul; 35 (1): 55–9

    PubMed  Article  Google Scholar 

  75. Ferris BG. Mountain-climbing accidents in the United States. N Engl J Med 1963; 268: 430–1

    PubMed  Article  Google Scholar 

  76. Hubicka E. Rock climbing injuries sustained at the training centre in Cesky Raj (author’s transl) [article in Czech]. Acta Chir Orthop Traumatol Cech 1977 Feb; 44 (1): 78–82

    Google Scholar 

  77. Chitnavis JP, Gibbons CL, Hirigoyen M, et al. Accidentswith horses: what has changed in 20 years? Injury 1996 Mar; 27 (2): 103–5

    PubMed  CAS  Article  Google Scholar 

  78. Gabbett TJ. Incidence of injury in amateur rugby league sevens. Br J Sports Med 2002 Feb; 36 (1): 23–6

    PubMed  CAS  Article  Google Scholar 

  79. Gissane C, Jennings D, Kerr K, et al. Injury rates in rugby league football: impact of change in playing season. Am JSports Med 2003 Nov-Dec; 31 (6): 954–8

    Google Scholar 

  80. Molsa J, Kujala U, Nasman O, et al. Injury profile in ice hockey from the 1970s through the 1990s in Finland. AmJ Sports Med 2000 May-Jun; 28 (3): 322–7

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  81. Gabbett TJ. Incidence of injury in junior rugby league players over four competitive seasons. J Sci Med Sport 2008; 11 (3): 323–8

    PubMed  Article  Google Scholar 

  82. Wedderkopp N, Kaltoft M, Lundgaard B, et al. Prevention of injuries in young female players in European teamhandball: a prospective intervention study. Scand J Med Sci Sports 1999 Feb; 9 (1): 41–7

    PubMed  CAS  Article  Google Scholar 

  83. Ekstrand J, Walden M, Walden M. Risk for injury when playing in a national football team. Scand J Med Sci Sports 2004 Feb; 14 (1): 34–8

    PubMed  Article  Google Scholar 

  84. Tomida Y, Hirata H, Fukuda A, et al. Injuries in elite motorcycle racing in Japan. Br J Sports Med 2005 Aug; 39 (8): 508–11

    PubMed  CAS  Article  Google Scholar 

  85. Baltzer AW, Ghadamgahi PD. American football injuries in theGerman Federal League: risk of injuries and patternof injuries. Unfallchirurgie 1998 Apr; 24 (2): 60–5

    PubMed  CAS  Article  Google Scholar 

  86. Seil R, Rupp S, Tempelhof S, et al. Sports injuries in team handball: a one-year prospective study of sixteen men’ssenior teams of a superior nonprofessional level. Am JSports Med 1998 Sep-Oct; 26 (5): 681–7

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  87. Cumps ED, Verhagen E, Annemans L. Injury risk and socio- economic costs resulting from sports injuries in Flanders. Data derived from Sports Insurance Statistics 2003. Br J Sports Med 2007; 42 (9): 767–2

    PubMed  Article  Google Scholar 

  88. Neville VJ, Molloy J, Brooks JH, et al. Epidemiology of injuries and illnesses in America’s Cup yacht racing. Br JSports Med 2006 Apr; 40 (4): 304–11; discussion 11-2

    CAS  Article  Google Scholar 

  89. Costa-Paz M, Aponte-Tinao L, Muscolo DL. Injuries to polo riders: a prospective evaluation. Br J Sports Med 1999 Oct; 33 (5): 329–31; discussion 31-2

    PubMed  CAS  Article  Google Scholar 

  90. Nickel C, Zernial O, Musahl V, et al. A prospective study of kitesurfing injuries. Am J Sports Med 2004; 32 (4): 921–7

    PubMed  Article  Google Scholar 

  91. Backx FJG, Beijer HJM, Bol E, et al. Injuries in high-risk persons and high-risk sports. Am J Sports Med 1991; 19: 124–30

    PubMed  CAS  Article  Google Scholar 

  92. Becker A. Verletzungen im FrauenfuXball. Homburg/Saar: Homburg, 2006

    Google Scholar 

  93. Burns J, Keenan A, Redmond A. Factors associated with traithlon-related overuse injuries. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2003; 33: 177–84

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  94. Zazryn T, Cameron P, McCrory P. A prospective cohort study of injury in amateur and professional boxing. Br JSports Med 2006 Aug; 40 (8): 670–4

    CAS  Article  Google Scholar 

  95. Gaulrapp H, Weber A, Rosemeyer B. Injuries in mountain biking. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc 2001; 9 (1): 48–53

    PubMed  CAS  Article  Google Scholar 

  96. Aschauer E, Ritter E, Resch H, et al. Injuries and injury risk in skiing and snowboarding. Unfallchirurg 2007 Apr; 110 (4): 301–6

    PubMed  CAS  Article  Google Scholar 

  97. Knobloch K, Vogt PM. Nordic pole walking injuries: nordic walking thumb as novel injury entity. Sportverletz Sportschaden 2006 Sep; 20 (3): 137–42

    PubMed  CAS  Article  Google Scholar 

  98. Dau I, Dingerkurs ML, Lorenz S. Verletzungsmuster beim wellenreiten: injury patterns in surfing. Dtsch Z Sportmed 2005; 56 (12): 410–4

    Google Scholar 

  99. Schindera ST, Triller J, Steinbach LS, et al. Spectrum of injuries from glacial sports. Wilderness Environ Med 2005 Spring; 16 (1): 33–7

    PubMed  Article  Google Scholar 

  100. Patterson R. On thin ice: a rather personal look at the hazards of winter climbing. CMAJ 1992 Mar 15; 146 (6): 1041–7

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  101. Berghold F. Sportmedizinische Aspekte desWanderns und Bergsteigens im Hochgebirge. Schweiz Z Sportmed 1982; 30: 5–12

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  102. Bunting CJ, Little MJ, Tolson H, et al. Physical fitness and eustress in the adventure activities of rock climbing andrappelling. J Sports Med Phys Fitness 1986 Mar; 26 (1): 11–20

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  103. Burdick TE, Brozen R. Wilderness event medicine. Wilderness Environ Med 2003 Winter; 14 (4): 236–9

    PubMed  Article  Google Scholar 

  104. Hartsock LA, Feagin Jr JA, Ogilvie BC. Climbing and the older athlete. Clin Sports Med 1991 Apr; 10 (2): 257–67

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  105. Huey RB, Eguskitza X. Limits to human performance: elevated risks on high mountains. J Exper Biol 2001 Sep; 204 (Pt18): 3115–9

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  106. Madorsky JG, Kiley DP. Wheelchair mountaineering. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 1984 Aug; 65 (8): 490–2

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  107. Malcolm M. Mountaineering fatalities in Mt Cook National Park. N Z Med J 2001 Mar 9; 114 (1127): 78–80

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  108. Patscheider H. Morphologic findings in fatal mountainclimbing accidents. Schweiz Z Sportmed 1971; 19 (4): 7–27

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  109. Rettig A. Mountain climbing accidents: measures and problems in first aid. Osterr Schwesternztg 1973 Jul-Aug; 26 (8): 174–7

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  110. Townes DA. Wilderness medicine. Prim Care 2002 Dec; 29 (4): 1027–48

    PubMed  Article  Google Scholar 

  111. Wilson R, Mills Jr WJ, Rodgers DR, et al. Death on Denali. West J Med 1978 Jun; 128 (6): 471–6

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  112. Zafren K, Durrer B, Herry JP, et al. Lightning injuries: prevention and on-site treatment in mountains andremote areas: official guidelines of the International Commission for Mountain Emergency Medicine and the Medical Commission of the International Mountaineering and Climbing Federation (ICAR and UIAA MEDCOM). Resuscitation 2005 Jun; 65 (3): 369–72

    PubMed  Article  Google Scholar 

  113. Shlim DR, Houston R. Helicopter rescues and deaths among trekkers in Nepal. JAMA 1989; 261: 1017–9

    PubMed  CAS  Article  Google Scholar 

  114. Avery JG, Harper P, Ackroyd S. Do we pay too dearly for our sport and leisure activities? An investigation intofatalities as a result of sporting ane leisure activities inEngland and Wales. Public Health 1990; 104: 417–23

    PubMed  CAS  Article  Google Scholar 

  115. Pollard A, Clarke C. Deaths during mountaineering at extreme altitude [abstract]. Lancet 1988; I: 1277

    Article  Google Scholar 

  116. Küpper T, Huber N, Netzer N, et al. Rehabilitation and recovery training after snowboard accidents. Med Sport 2009; 13 (1): 1–4

    Article  Google Scholar 

  117. Wedderkopp N, Kaltoft M, Lundgaard B, et al. Injuries in young female players in European teamhandball. ScandJ Med Sci Sports 1997 Dec; 7 (6): 342–7

    CAS  Article  Google Scholar 

  118. Renstrom P, Ljungqvist A, Arendt E, et al. Non-contact ACL injuries in female athletes: an International Olympic Committee current concepts statement. Br J Sports Med 2008 Jun; 42 (6): 394–412

    PubMed  CAS  Article  Google Scholar 

  119. Küpper T, Patig G, Hotz S, et al. Secondary prevention of accidents in school sports: does the teacher’s education fitwith the demands at school? Med Sport 2008; 12 (4): 155–9

    Article  Google Scholar 

  120. Baltzer AW, Ghadamgahi PD, Granrath M, et al. American football injuries in Germany: first results from Bundesligafootball. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc 1997; 5 (1): 46–9

    PubMed  CAS  Article  Google Scholar 

  121. Spinks AB, McClure RJ. Quantifying the risk of sports injury: a systematic review of activity-specific rates for childrenunder 16 years of age. Br J Sports Med 2007; 41: 548–57

    PubMed  Article  Google Scholar 

  122. Turk EE. Natural and traumatic sports-related fatalities. Br J Sports Med 2008; 42 (7): 604–8

    PubMed  CAS  Article  Google Scholar 

  123. Fuller CW, Ekstrand J, Junge A, et al. Consensus statement of injury definitions and data collection proceduresin studies of football (soccer) injuries. Scand J Med Sci Sports 2006; 16: 83–92

    PubMed  CAS  Article  Google Scholar 

  124. Meyers. Meyers Lexikon Online 2.0. 2008 [online]. Available from URL: http://www.lexikon.meyers.de/meyers/extremsport [Accessed 2008 Jan 16]

    Google Scholar 

  125. Kajtna T, Tusak M. Some psychological studies of high risk sports. Kinesiol Slovenica 2004; 10 (1): 96–105

    Google Scholar 

  126. Young CC. Extreme sports: injuries and medical coverage. Curr Sports Med Rep 2002 Oct; 1 (5): 306–11

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  127. Henke T, Glaser H. Die Risikobewertung der verschiedenen Sportarten-Epidemiologie von Sportverletzungen. In: Bergler R, editor. Irrationalität und Risiko Gesundheitliche Risikofaktoren und deren naturwissenschaftliche und psychologische Bewertung. Köln: Kölner Universitätsverlag, 2000: 300–18

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgements

No sources of funding were used to assist in the preparation of this review. The authors have no conflicts of interest that are directly relevant to the content of this review.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Sportorthopedics, Orthopedics and Trauma Surgery, Klinikum Bamberg, Bugerstr. 80, 96049, Bamberg, Germany

    Volker Schöffl MHBA

  2. Department of Trauma Surgery, Friedrich Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany

    Volker Schöffl MHBA

  3. Medical Commission of Union Internationale des Associations d’Alpinisme, Bern, Switzerland

    Volker Schöffl MHBA, Audry Morrison & Thomas Küpper

  4. Private Practise, Oberstdorf, Germany

    Ulrich Schwarz

  5. Department of Anatomy 1, Friedrich Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany

    Isabelle Schöffl

  6. Institute of Occupational and Social Medicine, RWTH Aachen Technical University, Aachen, Germany

    Thomas Küpper

Authors
  1. Volker Schöffl MHBA
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Audry Morrison
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Ulrich Schwarz
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Isabelle Schöffl
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. Thomas Küpper
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Volker Schöffl MHBA.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and Permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Schöffl, V., Morrison, A., Schwarz, U. et al. Evaluation of Injury and Fatality Risk in Rock and Ice Climbing. Sports Med 40, 657–679 (2010). https://doi.org/10.2165/11533690-000000000-00000

Download citation

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.2165/11533690-000000000-00000

Keywords

  • Injury Risk
  • Overuse Injury
  • Injury Incidence
  • Fatality Risk
  • Rock Climbing