Injury patterns with snowboarding

Snowboarding is a winter sport that has shown a considerable increase in popularity during the last 2 decades. As a result, there has been a continued rise in the number of visits to the emergency department (ED) for injuries sustained while snowboarding. Previous studies have concluded that those injured tend to be male, younger, and more inexperienced than their alpine skiing counterparts. This study examines the injury patterns seen in one ED during peak winter sport recreational months over a 5-year period. This retrospective review describes 71 patients with a broad spectrum of injury patterns, but reports a higher incidence of head and spinal injuries than previously documented. Furthermore, recommendations to prevent future injuries as well as education for first responders and physicians regarding the high likelihood of serious injury is discussed.