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Dr Oshimi's Healthy Lifestyle : File01
(Dec. 2004, Xene#43) |
Shredding
the Hill and
Not Your Bones |
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The skiing and snowboarding
season is around the corner in Hokkaido. Over
the past few seasons, you may have noticed more
and more snowboarders on the hills, or maybe you're
one of them.
Like downhill skiing, snowboarding is a blast,
but a botched 720 is no fun at all when it means
using your face as a landing pad. Japanese hospitals
report that the injury rate for snowboarding is
much higher than for skiing. One reputable hospital
has reported that the injury rate for boarders
is 1:500 compared to 1:2000 for skiers. This month,
I have some tips for safe "shredding":
riding with speed and style.
WRIST INJURIES
The most common injury in snowboarding is to the
wrist. Unlike skiers, who can step out when they
lose their balance, snowboarders are more likely
to topple over and the natural tendency is to
fall onto an outstretched hand. (Hence the ER
term kabai-te, "the hand used to break the
fall.") Wrist fractures caused by this action
are often not simple injuries and can lead to
long-term disability.
One way of reducing the risk of injury is to keep
your arms tucked into your sides and your fists
clenched. It's better to roll out of a fall, distributing
impact over a greater portion of the body. In
addition, it's highly recommended that you purchase
wrist guards. You can get them for about \2000
at a sporting goods store, well worth the price.
KNEES AND ANKLES
The rate of serious knee injuries in snowboarding
is lower than in skiing. This is because both
feet are connected to the board, protecting the
knees. The ankle is more commonly injured by snowboarders.
For beginners, hard boots are related to a higher
incidence of ankle injuries than soft boots. The
latter allow some ankle movement, which helps
novices to maneuver the board and avoid sprains.
Serious ankle injuries are particularly common
after jumping, when a combination of compression
and inversion forces is experienced. This may
lead to ankle sprain or to the more serious "snowboarder's
ankle," a fracture of the lateral process
of the talus bone (LPT) in the ankle. It presents
as a severe sprain, usually with pain in the area
indicated to just under the bone on the outside
of your ankle. Unfortunately, it may not show
on a normal x-ray, and many Japanese doctors outside
of ski areas haven't heard of it. It may need
a CT scan to diagnose, and an operation is required.
If any snowboarders with an ankle injury have
severe pain or can't support their weight on the
ankle after a week, they need to seek medical
attention and mention this injury. It carries
a high risk of morbidity if not managed appropriately.
HEAD INJURIES
Head injuries are usually caused by falling. Beginners
tend to fall on the back edge and bang their heads
on the snow as a result. Most head injuries are
thankfully minor. However, a subdural hematoma
has a high risk of long-term disability or even
death. If you hit your head and have a headache
with a partial loss of consciousness, you may
have a hemorrhage just under the hard membrane
of your brain. This requires immediate medical
attention.
IF INJURED...
If you've injured yourself, find the nearest ski
patrol. They'll bring you to a treatment room
or they'll call an ambulance to take you to the
nearest hospital. After getting home from the
hill, if you suspect you've injured yourself,
go directly to the orthopedic department (seikei-geka).
Don't forget that the injury may lead to long-term
disability without proper treatment.
Many snowboarders learn from their friends. This
can be a risky choice of teachers and can lead
to dangerous habits. Beginner boarders should
take lessons from a pro. They should master the
correct riding position, and how to fall properly,
which help to reduce upper limb injuries and head
injuries. Ankle injuries can be reduced with the
use of a hybrid boot -- a softer boot with a hard
inner lining, which may provide the best protection
-- and don't forget that safety gear, such as
a helmet, extra padding for your elbows, knees
and buttocks, and wrist guards, can compensate
for recklessness or protect you from other serious
injuries.
Snowboarding is a wicked sport, but make sure
you're the one in control.
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OSHIMI Takayuki M.D.
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A physician in Asahikawa
Board Member of J.E. (the Japan Association for Health
Care Interpreting in Japanese and English)
Medical translating duties, including various publications |
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