F. Sheikh1, K. Tauber1, I. C. Bostock1, A. O. Crockett2, R. M. Baertschiger1 1Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center,Division Of Pediatric Surgery,Lebanon, NH, USA 2Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center,Division Of Trauma And Acute Care Surgery,Lebanon, NH, USA
Introduction:
Ski and snowboard crashes are frequent causes of injuries in children and teenagers. Ski resorts will often attract visitors from out of state who may not be as familiar with winter sports as local residents. The aim of our study was to retrospectively review cases of children who were victims of ski and snowboard injuries in a region of New England to determine if there are differences in the injury pattern between children who come from out of state vs. those who live in the region.
Methods:
We queried the trauma registry at our ACS Level 1 Adult and ACS Level 2 Pediatric trauma center for all patients ages 0-18 years involved in a ski or snowboard accident between January 2005 and January 2016. Data was reviewed for demographics, type of injury identified, reported use of protective gear, and injury severity score. Children residing in New Hampshire and Vermont were considered in state and children from all other states of residence were deemed out of state. A multivariate regression analysis was performed to assess for difference in injury patterns between out of state and local residents.
Results:
A total of 297 patients injured at 38 different ski areas were identified for review. Fifty-eight percent had a primary residence out of the New Hampshire/Vermont area. There was no difference in terms of age for either group as the mean age for each was 13 years (p=0.305). Although there was no difference in the use of helmets (56% in state vs 47% out of state), children from out of state were more than 10% likely to sustain head injuries (32% in state vs. 49% out of state, OR 1.9, CI 1.226-3.204). Beyond head trauma, the injury patterns were similar between both groups (Table 1). No difference was found between the two groups in terms of injury severity score (mean in state 9 vs. 12 out of state, p=0.085).
Conclusion:
Compared to children who live in ski areas, children from out of state were more susceptible to head injuries despite wearing helmets. Further education on safe ski and snowboarding techniques may be beneficial for children and their families who travel from a far prior to participation in winter sports.
