Abstract des Autors

Regulations permitting the sport of paragliding were issued on April 15, 1987 by the Department of Transportation in Germany. With the rising number of participants in this sport, the number of reported injuries has also been steadily increasing. The reported epidemiologic study presents the incidence, localization, and degree of injuries associated with this sport documented in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. During the period from 1.1.1987 until 31.12.1989, 218 injuries associated with paragliding were reported in the above-mentioned countries, 181 occurred during landing, 28 during start procedures, and 9 during flight. The average age of the patients was 29.6 years. The analysis of the localization of the trauma-related injury documented 33.9% spinal injuries, 13.8% injuries of the upper, and 41.3% of the lower extremities. Over 50% were treated surgically and, in 54 instances, permanent disability remained. In paragliding the lower extremities are at greatest risk for injury especially during the landing phase. Proper equipment and exact training in landing techniques are required to reduce the frequency of these injuries. Verf.-Referat