Abstract

Alpine skiing is an increasingly popular recreational sport worldwide. While the overall injury rate has declined and the pattern of injury changed over the years, the incidence of knee injuries has not changed substantially and accounts for 20 to 30% of all alpine skiing injuries. Medial collateral ligament (MCL) injuries are the most common in skiing, accounting for 15 to 20% of all skiing injuries and 60% of knee injuries in skiers. Tears are commonly isolated, but may occur in association with other ligamentous injuries. Associated meniscal pathology is rare. Isolated lateral collateral ligament (LCL) injuries are rare in skiers. There is usually associated cruciate or arcuate ligament complex. Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries have become increasingly common in skiers. This may reflect a true increase in the incidence or an improved awareness and ability to diagnose ACL injury. Isolated posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) injury is rare in skiing, constituting less than 1% of all knee injuries in most series. Careful physical examination must be employed to rule out associated arcuate ligament complex injury and more complex patterns of instability. Isolated meniscal injuries are uncommon in skiers, accounting for less than 10% of all knee injuries. Meniscal tears are more commonly associated with ACL tears. Physical examination is helpful in suspected meniscal pathology. MRI is extremely helpful in evaluating meniscal pathology with an overall accuracy of up to 98%. Verf.-Referat (gekuerzt)