Abstract

The objective of our study was to compare injuries sustained by a large group of children to those of injured adults. We reviewed all 3182 injuries which occurred over nine ski seasons (1972 to 1973 trough 1980 to 1981). Six hundred and ninety-six (22) of these injuries occurred in children 16 years of age or younger. For all injuries combined, those under 11 years of age had the same rate of injury as adults. Adolescents had a higher injury rate. Foot and ankle injuries were more common in younger children. Knee injuries made up one-fifth of all injuries in all age groups and in older skiers tended to be relatively more serious. Tibia fractures were more prevalent in younger skiers and declined in all age groups over the period of study. Head and spine injuries comprised 6.2 of the pediatric injuries, and were more prevalent in children than in adults. Upper body injuries were less common in children than in adults. We found height, weight and proximal tibial diameter to vary with age, but in any given age group there was no significant difference with injury type or the controls. Injured skiers in all age groups were less likely to own their equipment. Adjustment of equipment by a professional or the skier did not vary with age or injury type. Verf.-Referat