Alpine Skiing

Over the last couple of decades, the popularity of alpine skiing has dramatically risen with approximately 200 million people skiing worldwide. Unfortunately, along with several other sports, alpine skiing has an inherent risk of injury (Natri, Beynnon, Ettlinger, Johnson & Shealy, 1999). Through the use of epidemiological research, it is possible to identify the causes of injuries in alpine skiing and educate others. With this knowledge, practitioners in this sporting field are becoming aware of many of the predisposing factors and preventative measures of injury such as using proper technique programs and equipment. As a result, the incidence of injuries in alpine skiing has decreased. Injury rates and patterns of alpine skiers have been studied at great length since the early 1940’s. The overall incidences involving ski injuries have steadily decreased from 5 to 8 injuries per 1000 skier days before the 1970’s to between 2 and 3 injuries per 1000 skier days in the late 1980’s and early 1990’s (Johnson, Ettlinger & Shealy, 1997). Injuries that most commonly occurred during the 1940’s and 1950’s to the lower extremities such as ankle sprains (28%), ankle fractures (11%) and spiral tibial fractures (2.8%) have d

: the binding release and support system) that was developed during the early 1980"tms. The main objective of modern ski boots and bindings has been to protect the skier from tibia and ankle fractures (Natri et al. When comparing the ability level with the incidence of knee sprains, one study showed that skiers who classified themselves as beginners or low intermediates sustained 25 and 18 of the total number of knee strains. Also, it will not offset the danger to the inexperienced skier attempting conditions beyond their capability. Technology is not the panacea when a skier"tms attitude is "I am invincible". Intermediate skiers received 41 of all knee sprains while skiers who rated themselves as advanced sustained 16 of knee strains. However, over the nine-year period the number of knee injuries increased by 92 (Davidson Laliotis, 1996). One study however, compiled over 11 seasons, showed that the ratio of upper extremity to lower extremity injury appears to be increasing in alpine skiing and that certain shoulder injuries can be accompanied by significant morbidity to overall upper extremity function (Kocher Feagin Jr. Age, experience, conditioning and ski conditions all play a significant role.