Ski Injury Epidemiology: A Short Term Case Control Study Of Injuries with Skiboards
Presented at the International Society for the Study of Skiing Safety, May 1999
Supported in part by a grant from Solomon Corp.

Richard M. Greenwalk, Ph.D.*
Mike Nesshoever, B.S.**
Melbourne D. Boynton, M.D.+

Abstract: A case-control epidemiology study of all skiboard injuries at a large Eastern ski resort was conducted for the winter 1998-99 season. Ski patrol reports and follow-up injury diagnosis data at the mountain clinic were compiled. Demographic information about the injured skier, coupled with equipment information, was used to analyze injury trends for those using Alpine skis, snowboards, and skiboards. Control data was collected to determine typical skier demographics at the mountain using previously published methodologies. Methods for randomizing the control groups and for reducing data collection bias have been previously described.

The overall injury rate for all sports at the mountain was consistent with rates reported in the literature at other ski resorts. Injury rates for skiboards represented 1.1% of the injury population, while participation in thes sport was 2.7% of the entire mountain population. Snowboard users were over-represented in the injury group. Skiboard users were younger than skiers and were predominantly male. Lower leg-fractures and shoulder injuries represented 56% of the total skiboard injuries (n=24). This study represents the first case-control study of skiboard use, and is limited to one mountain and one season. The study will be continued in subsequent years to determine significant injury trends and implications for prevention of injuries in Skiboarding.

*Executive Director, National Institute for Sports Institute for Sports Science and Safety, Providence, Rhode Island, USA; Adjunct Assistant Professor, Department of Orthopaedics, Brown University School of Medicine, Providence, Rhode Island, USA; US Director, Ortho/Sports/Rehab, TUV Product Service, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
**Clinical Research Engineer/Ski Patrol, Killington Ski Patrol, Killington, Vermont, USA
+Orthopaedic Surgeon, Vermont Orthopaedic Clinic, Rutland, Vermont, USA