Background
Skiing and snowboarding-related head injuries are frequently encountered by medical providers in a wilderness setting.
Objective
The purpose of this analysis was to determine the scope, trends, and characteristics of skiing and snowboarding–related head injuries across the United States during 6 winter seasons from 2004 to 2010.
Methods
A retrospective analysis was conducted using data from the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS). Sample weights were used to calculate national estimates of head injuries related to skiing and snowboarding. Narratives provided were used to characterize injury context and severity as well as identify prevalence of helmet use.
Results
An estimated 68 761 patients with head injuries sustained while skiing or snowboarding presented to emergency departments from 2004 to 2010. This estimate was calculated from 1629 cases registered in NEISS. The number of head injuries increased from 9308 in 2004 and 2005 to 14 947 in 2009 and 2010, while the incidence of non-head-related injuries remained steady. Children (younger than 10 years old) were the only age group to show a decreased proportion of head injuries over the 6 seasons, from 11.7% to 4.6%. Males accounted for 68.8% of head injuries and snowboarders for 57.9% of head injuries. Riders aged 11 to 17 years old sustained a greater proportion of head injuries (47.7%) than did any other age group. The most common diagnosis was concussion (67%). More than 1 in 10 patients required hospitalization. Helmet use was noted in approximately one-third of the narratives. The percentage of helmeted riders injured increased from 36.7% to 57.9% over the 6-year period, which correlates with National Ski Areas Association data on increases in helmet use in the general population.
Conclusions
Skiing and snowboarding-related head injuries increased from 2004 to 2010 at a higher rate than all other ski and snowboard-related injuries despite a significant increase in helmet use. The proportion of head injuries among children, however, has decreased. Males, snowboarders, and teenagers are most likely to be injured.