Glide Through Winter Safely

Orthopaedic Surgeons Provide Tips to Prevent Winter Sports Injuries

For many, winter means snow, and with snow comes the variety of winter sports kids and adults of all ages enjoy. Whether on ice, hills, slopes or mountains, hours are spent participating in activities ranging from ice hockey and ice skating to sledding, snow boarding and snow skiing. According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS), if the proper precautions are not taken to ensure warmth and safety, severe injuries can occur. While winter sports are a great form of exercise and fun, injuries from these activities garner a significant amount of attention at hospital emergency rooms, doctors' offices and clinics. In 2004, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) reported 51,524 injuries from ice hockey; 49,600 injuries from ice skating; 74,000 injuries from sledding, snow tubing and tobogganing; 35,483 injuries from snowmobiling; 143,990 injuries from snow boarding; and 144,379 injuries from snow skiing. Injuries can include sprains and strains, dislocations, fractures and even death. "Playing sports in the cold and snow can take a toll on the body," explained Matthew S. Shapiro, MD, orthopaedic surgeon and secretary of AAOS' Board of Councilors. "Keeping in proper physical condition and wearing the appropriate clothing and protective gear are key ways to minimize winter sports-related injuries." The Academy recommends adults and children follow these simple tips to help prevent winter sports injuries:

--  Never ski, sled, ice skate or snowboard alone.
--  Keep in shape and condition muscles before partaking in winter
    activities. Cold muscles, tendons and ligaments are vulnerable to injury,
    so it is important to warm up thoroughly before playing.
--  Know and abide by all rules of the sport in which you are
    participating.
--  Wear appropriate protective gear, including goggles, helmets, gloves
    and padding.
--  Check to make sure equipment is in good working order and used
    properly.
--  For warmth and protection, wear several layers of light, loose and
    water- and wind-resistant clothing. Layering allows you to accommodate your
    body's constantly changing temperature.
--  Wear proper footwear that provides warmth and dryness, as well as
    ample ankle support.
--  Take a lesson (or several) from a qualified instructor, especially in
    sports like skiing and snow boarding. Beginners should avoid jumping
    maneuvers.
--  When falling, try to fall on your side or buttocks. Roll over
    naturally, turning your head in the direction of the roll.
--  Pay attention to warnings about upcoming storms and severe drops in
    temperature to ensure safety.
--  Become familiar with the whereabouts of fences, trees, rocks, open
    water and patches of ice.
--  Stay on marked trails and avoid potential avalanche areas, such as
    steep hillsides with little vegetation.
--  Avoid participating in sports when experiencing pain or exhaustion.
--  Take rest breaks and replenish fluids during and after play.
--  Be prepared for emergency situations and have a plan to reach medical
    personnel to treat injuries.
    

For additional injury prevention tips and information on winter sports and more, please visit the Academy's public and patient education Web site, Your Orthopaedic Connection (www.orthoinfo.org), or call the Public Service line at 800-824-BONES. An orthopaedic surgeon is a physician with extensive training in the diagnosis and treatment of non-surgical as well as surgical treatment of the musculoskeletal system including bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, muscles and nerves.

With 28,000 members, the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (www.aaos.org) or (www.orthoinfo.org), is a not-for-profit organization that provides education programs for orthopaedic surgeons, allied health professionals and the public. An advocate for improved patient care, the Academy is participating in the Bone and Joint Decade (www.usbjd.org), the global initiative in the years 2002-2011 to raise awareness of musculoskeletal health to stimulate research and improve people's quality of life. President Bush has declared the years 2002-2011 National Bone and Joint Decade in support of these objectives. The Academy's 73rd Annual Meeting is being held March 22-26, 2006 at McCormick Place in Chicago.

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