Snow skiing injuries.

BACKGROUND

Skiing is a sport that has exploded in popularity over the past 20 years. There are estimated to be 200 million skiers worldwide.

OBJECTIVE

This article outlines the type and prevalence of ski injuries, and measures that have been made to reduce the incidence of injuries to skiers.

DISCUSSION: The incidence of injury has decreased with the development of improved equipment, resort management and skier preparation. This decrease has been reflected in a lower rate of foot, ankle and tibial injuries. The overall incidence of knee injuries has increased and in particular an increase in more serious knee injuries. Snowboard injuries now account for approximately half the presentations to ski resort medical centres.