Comparative Study of Craniofacial Injuries in Skiing Versus Snowboarding: A NEISS Database Study
Benjamin F. Bitner, Samipya Kafle, Eric H. Abello, Ethan G. Muhonen, Sina J. Torabi, Theodore Chen, Niklaus V. Eriksen, Tjoson TjoaIntroduction:
Skiing and snowboarding are popular winter sports which are rising in popularity. There is a lack of detailed data in the literature regarding skiing and snowboarding head and neck injuries, especially the rate of concussions with helmet use.
Methods:
The authors queried the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS) database to characterize patient demographics, injury types, subsite injured, and ED disposition associated with skiing and snowboarding-related head and neck injuries between 2009 and 2020 in the US.
Results:
An estimated 87,994 head and neck-related ski and snowboarding injuries were reported from 2011 to 2020 nationally. Ski-related and snowboard-related injuries comprised 51.9% and 48.1% of injuries, respectively. Ski-related injuries accounted for the majority of admissions (69.2%). Head injuries were the most common (68.3%), followed by injuries to the face (15.3%) and neck (12.2%). Concussions (57.7%) were the most common overall injury type and comprised 49.2% of admissions. Concussions were more common in snowboarding injuries (65.6% versus 50.3%,
Conclusions:
Patients presenting with skiing or snowboarding injuries require a thorough head and neck examination. A comprehensive history and physical should be performed with a focus on helmet use and evaluation for concussion, lacerations, and fractures. Helmet use is strongly recommended to prevent the risk of head injury.
Level of Evidence:
IV.