Ski-related injuries' trends are evolving

Modern Skiing Accidents: A New Era of Injuries Explored

Let's chat about the shifting landscape of skiing accidents today compared to the past, shall we? ever since them good ol' 80s! According to a clinic practitioner, the injuries we're seeing today just ain't the same as your broken legs back in the day.

The accident evaluation center at Arag insurance company reports an increase in knee injuries and collisions, based on accident reports from members of the DSV active association. More than 20% of injuries are now caused by collisions, the highest number ever, said the evaluation center's head, David Schulz.

Interestingly, the number of injured skiers in the winter of 2023/2024 saw a 52% decrease from the 1979/80 season. Yet, it's back to pre-pandemic levels when we compare it to the previous season. Media outlets like Bavarian Broadcasting have reported on this trend.

Fabian Stuby, the medical director at a BG accident clinic in Murnau, notes a change in typical injuries sustained after skiing accidents. Apart from knee joint ligament injuries, they now treat tibia plateau fractures, shoulder injuries, and head injuries.

Why the Change?

Stuby credits one reason for this change in equipment. Modern, higher ski boots shift forces upwards towards the knee, which used to result in a spiral fracture of the tibia. Today, it's more an injury to the tibia plateau—often more complex and taking longer to heal.

Collisions, including with trees or ski lift supports, are a common cause of severe injuries, especially head injuries. Helmets can offer some protection, but they won't prevent injuries if the head hits a hard piste. As for shoulder injuries, they've become more common due to modern carving techniques, with the body being closer to the piste in curves, increasing the risk in falls.

Artificial snow, with its high water content, freezes faster, making slopes harder and icier. This allows skiers, especially those using carving skis, to move faster. Additionally, climate change is causing snow shortages, leading to the potential for rocks to be visible nearby. In a fall, the head, shoulder, and even the back are at risk.

Even cross-country skiers aren't immune. The trails are often icier than before, leading to harder falls and increased risks to the head and shoulder. Older winter sports enthusiasts may also experience hip fractures. To minimize risks and prevent accidents, following basic rules for accident prevention and driving adapted to one's skills and piste conditions are crucial. Associations like the German Alpine Club also recommend wearing a helmet.

Sources: ntv.de, jaz/dpa

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David Schulz from the accident evaluation center at Arag insurance company stated that more than 20% of skiing injuries are now caused by collisions, which is the highest number ever recorded.
Fabian Stuby, medical director at a BG accident clinic in Murnau, believes the change in equipment, particularly modern, higher ski boots, is a key reason for the shift in injuries from spiral fractures of the tibia to injuries of the tibia plateau.
In an effort to reduce skiing injuries, associations like the German Alpine Club advise following basic accident prevention rules, adapting driving to one's skills and piste conditions, and wearing a helmet, even for cross-country skiers.