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Prevention of Common Ski Injuries
By: Steven D. Morton, D.O., Orthopedic Trauma Fellow, University Medical Center of Southern Nevada

This year's ski season will find more Las Vegans hitting the slopes and since not all facilities are equipped to handle this, the chances of being injured are greater. This doesn't mean all injuries are related to crowded conditions, however, the possibility of sustaining a serious injury from a collision is increased. Collisions with trees, lift poles and other skiers represents the majority of severe or even fatal injuries. Here are a few tips for a safe ski season this winter.

Equipment
Ski equipment has improved over the last several years and these improvements have lead to a decrease in the number of injuries. Keep in mind when buying skis that the longer the ski, the more difficult it is to control your actions and the more likely that twisting type injuries will occur. When renting, give your accurate weight and experience level so your equipment will work for you. Another important fact to remember is higher and stiffer boots decrease the chances of ankle injuries. The straps on ski poles are notorious for injuring the thumb ligaments. Strapless poles decrease the incidences but if you have straps, place them over your fist and around your wrist rather than grabbing the strap inside your fist. If you fall and are holding the strap inside your fist, the strap will pull and twist your thumb backwards, creating a possible surgical injury.

Ski Level
Skiing your level with a partner allows you and other skiers to enjoy the mountain sport. Should one of you get hurt, the other is able to get help. Classes are also available for those that want to improve their ability.

Ski Lifts
Pay attention when getting on and off the ski lifts. More injuries on the slopes happen because skiers are not paying attention. If you aren't holding onto the lift, you may fall off. If its your first time, ask for help. That's why resorts staff the lift with trained personnel.

Environmental Conditions
Be prepared for extreme environmental conditions. Dress warmly and in layers. It's always easier to add or shed a layer. Nylon or Lycra as the first layer takes the moisture away from your body. Bring extra clothing - some people spend more time getting up off the slope than actually skiing down the slope. Being wet and having to wait in long lift lines will cool the skier down too fast. Face masks, ear muffs, hats and gloves may not make a fashion statement, but they will protect your face and hands from frost bite. Again, bring extras. If you are one of those people who have a hard time keeping your hands warm, there's good news for you. Small heating packs are available for you to place inside your pockets or gloves and are relatively inexpensive.

Eye and Skin Protection
Goggles and sunglasses are a must. Ultraviolet rays from the sun, as well as the glare off the snow, can cause corneal or retinal burns. The higher the altitude, the higher the chance of sunburn. Exposed skin should always be protected with a good sun block lotion.

Snowboard Safety
Snowboarding, which is also known as surfing the slope, has become quite popular over the last few years. Unlike surfboarding, the feet are firmly attached to the board. The softer and shorter boot increases your chances of ankle injuries. Since both feet are attached to the board, the torsional injuries to the knees are also markedly decreased. Typically, there are no poles used which means minimal thumb injuries. The falls are harder and therefore more injuries are sustained to the forearms and shoulders, as well as the knees and buttocks. Wrist guards are a great way to protect against breaking your wrist. Another suggestion would be elbow and knee pads and/or a helmet. Proper instruction before trying the board is advised. Snowboarders present another challenge on the slope, they become obstacles. Since the boards are more difficult to control and both feet are firmly attached, boarders tend to sit on the slope when resting and are harder to see if they are on the other side of a mogul. Keep an eye out for these types of obstacles. Ski defensively. Be warned though, most people
never go back to skiing once they've tried snowboarding.

Road Safety
Remember, car accidents are typically much worse than ski injuries. We all get excited about skiing and want to get to the slope when the lifts open, but the mountain will be there all day - so arrive in one piece. Driving home? Again, skiing is a demanding sport and you might be a little tired. Perhaps a hotel room, a sauna or hot tub and a nice dinner will round off your day so that you'll feel rested on the trip back.

We may not be able to stop accidents on the slopes, but we can be prepared. Proper equipment, common sense, skiing in control and within you ability, and dressing for the environment will prevent most accidents. Above all, have fun.

Steven D. Morton, D.O., Orthopedic Trauma Fellow, University Medical Center of Southern Nevada
Dr. Morton is a graduate of University of New England in Maine, he completed his internship at Grandview Hospital in Dayton, Ohio, completed his orthopedic residency in St. Louis, Missouri, and is in the process of completing his fellowship in orthopedic trauma at University Medical Center.