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Ski and Snowboard Injuries
Skiing and snowboarding are among the most popular winter sports. Injuries
to the upper extremity occur in a relatively predictable pattern. Fortunately,
there are some ways to help decrease the chance for injury.
The most common upper extremity skiing injury
is to a thumb ligament called the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) of
the metacarpophalangeal joint. It is the ligament on the inner aspect
of the thumb at the second joint from the thumb tip (see Figure 1). A
ligament is the soft tissue that connects bones to bones. The injury
occurs when the ski pole does not release from the hand and the pole
places a bending stress to the thumb (see Figure 2). If you fall while
skiing and your inner thumb hurts, it may be from a “skier’s
thumb,” or
UCL injury, and you should see a hand surgeon. Your surgeon will determine
whether it is a partial or complete ligament tear. A partial tear is
usually treated with a cast or splint, whereas a complete tear is treated
with surgery to repair the ligament since the torn end of the ligament
often gets trapped behind a muscle.
The ulnar collateral ligament
(UCL) and the radial collateral ligament (RCL) help stabilize the
thumb.
Upon
falling, the ski pole may bend the thumb in an extreme position and
tear the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL), the so-called “skier’s
thumb” injury.
The chance of getting a “skier’s thumb” injury
may be decreased by NOT using your ski pole strap around your wrist.
Using ski poles without platforms or saber handles decreases your chance
of injury. The main goal is that you want the ski poles to release
from your hands when you fall. If the ski pole stays in your hand throughout
your fall, the pole can act as a long lever arm to put a large stress
load on the thumb joint. If you fall, it is better to lose your poles
and protect your thumbs.
The most common snowboarding injury
is to the wrist. This may be in the form of a fracture (broken bone),
dislocation, and/or ligament injury. This usually occurs when the rider
falls backwards or forwards and puts his or her hands out in front of
himself or herself to brace the fall (see Figure 3). If you have this
injury, your doctor should examine your wrist and possibly get more studies
such as x-rays and/or an MRI or CT scan. Depending on the positions of
the bones and the integrity of the ligaments, treatment may consist of
a splint, cast, or even surgery. Occasionally special devices are needed
such as metal pins, plates, screws, or a combination of devices to stabilize
wrist fractures and/or ligament injuries.
Wrist fracture
The chance of suffering a snowboard wrist injury may be decreased by
using wrist guards or gloves that have guards built into them. There
are medical studies that have shown such protective gear to be effective
at decreasing the potential for injury. Regarding protective gear, helmets
have also been shown to decrease head injury and their use should be
encouraged.
© 2007 American Society for Surgery of the Hand
Developed by the ASSH Public Education Committee
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