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The Bristol Knee Clinic |
News Topic : Full Version
Skiing and Snowboarding Injuries
Author: Andrea Beaumont Date: 2/1/2008
"Folio Editorial by David P Johnson MD February 2008"
Winter is the ski season. Each year this inevitably brings with it many new patients with new injuries. Most of these occur on the ski slopes. However, some follow falls on ice après-ski.
Skiers and snowboarders suffer different types of injuries. Whilst skiers suffer knee and shoulder injuries, snowboarders most commonly suffer hand, wrist, head and neck injuries. Snowboarding is associated with a higher incidence of injuries overall and with more serious head injuries. Fortunately, many snowboarders and skiers are now routinely using helmets which are readily available in UK shops. Knee injuries are common. As many as 1 in 50 British skiers suffer injuries each year. The majority of significant injuries are to the knee. The equipment used has a significant effect on their type and severity. Old boots are associated with tibial fractures while bindings set too tightly or carving skis promote Anterior Cruciate Ligament injuries of the knee (ACL). The ACL Study Group is an international group of orthopaedic surgeons dedicated to the study of this injury and its surgical treatment. The group consists of 100 of the top ACL surgeons from around the world, from Australia and Japan to the USA and Switzerland. Membership of the prestigious group is by invitation only, on the basis of research and clinical standing in the international community. David Johnson was honoured to be invited in 1993 and is now the most senior of the three British knee surgeons who are members. David says: “Much of the emphasis in the group is on prevention as well as the optimal treatment of this injury.” In respect of treatment, the group has published research. This includes publications from Dr Steadman in Vail, Colorado which established that success following patellar tendon reconstruction of the ACL is superior to the use of hamstring tendon which, although easier, fails three times as commonly. Many injuries can be avoided by proper preparation. Attention to fitness, flexibility and correctly fitted and adjusted equipment is essential. Strict discipline includes stretching exercises in the morning before going outdoors and again at the top of the first run. Careful attention to technique and speed during the first run is also needed. As with driving, alcohol should be avoided. It can also help to understand that at the end of the day the last run is not the best time to have that downhill race. Remember special insurance is necessary for racing and off-piste skiing. Mr David Johnson specialises in the treatment of sports injuries and knee surgery. As well as being a member of the ACL Study Group, he is internationally recognized and the only British orthopaedic surgeon on the editorial board of the foremost journal for sports injury research in the world: the American Journal of Sports Medicine. Having been a national and international basketball player and county U19 rugby player, he appreciates and takes account of the demands and concerns of sports people of all ages. “A rapid assessment, examination and often an MRI are required following any injury,” he says. “Most patients on whom I undertake ACL reconstruction return to full competitive sport.” A wide range of information regarding orthopaedic and knee problems can be found on the website www.orthopaedics.co.uk More details on Skiing injuries can be found following the link below:Link: Skiing advice
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