Lower extremity injuries on the rise among skiers

Oct 20 2009

Over the last two decades, knee injuries have been on the rise among skiers in the French Alps. It is more likely for downhill skiers to experience a lower extremity injury than any other type of injury, whether due to a fall or a collision.

According to the British Orthopaedic Sports Trauma Association, knee injuries rose from a mere nine percent to a whopping 28 percent during the years from 1994 to 2004. An increase in the use of helmets during skiing has decreased the number of head injuries while participating in this outdoor activity.

Anterior cruciate ligament tears and sprains might be preventable. A randomised intervention study published in the Journal of Knee Injury, Sports Traumatology, and Arthroscopy assessing the overall effect of viewing an instructional ski video prior to downhill skiing showed a significant decrease in overall injuries when the viewers followed the tips presented in the video.

Preventable strategies include not overtightening the ski bindings, exercising prior to the skiing holiday, and stretching prior to actually skiing.

Other factors involved in the incidence of knee injuries while skiing in the French Alps might include: the experience of the skier, the age or physical condition of the skier, the presence of alcohol in the skier's system, and the snow conditions on the slopes. The difficulty of the run might appear to be an influencing factor, but only when taken into consideration with other factors.

What significance does this trend have for skiers of the French Alps? A bit of preparation prior to enjoying a ski holiday is indicated, especially for novice skiers. Additionally, obtaining holiday insurance prior to a trip to the French Alps for a bit of recreational skiing is an excellent idea. The cost is minimal, yet the benefit is not.

For those individuals, adults and children alike, who suffer an unfortunate accident while on the pristine white slopes of the French Alps, having holiday insurance can facilitate the recovery process. Returning to the UK, surrounding EU areas, or other countries is less difficult when medical treatment is obtained immediately. Additionally, the existence of holiday insurance to cover the cost of the treatment alleviates the stress related to the incident.