The pattern of acute injuries in patients from alpine skiing accidents has changed during 2000–2011: analysis of clinical and radiological data at a level I trauma center

Abstract

Objectives

During the last decade, many educational efforts and technological improvements have been made to protect skiing athletes from injuries. Whether these efforts have changed the pattern of acute injuries from skiing casualties has not yet been shown on a medical basis, which this longitudinal study examines.

Methods

All patients transferred to the Department of Radiology of our level I trauma center for acute emergency computed tomography (CT) after alpine skiing accidents from 2000 to 2011 were included. We hypothesized that only patients with clinical suspicion for injuries were admitted for acute CT.

Results

Of all acute patients after skiing accidents, 2,252 could be included. From 2000 to 2011, all cerebral injuries and vascular arterial injuries statistically significantly decreased (p < 0.05, respectively). However, extremity fractures, facial fractures, and vertebral fractures increased (p < 0.04, respectively). The number of cerebral hemorrhages, thoracic injuries, and abdominal injuries remained unchanged (p = NS). The mean (SD) number of all initial radiological examinations per victim statistically significantly decreased from 2.3 (0.7) in 2000 to 1.5 (0.6) in 2011, whereas the admissions for acute CT have significantly increased (p < 0.02; respectively).

Conclusions

Acute radiological evaluation in skiing accidents has changed during the last decade. The decrease in overall cerebral injuries might be a function of the increasing use of skiing helmets. A protection of the extremities, trunk, spine, and face, however, needs further improvements and their radiological assessment with CT warrants attention in skiing casualties.