This increases the risk of wrist injury but results in far fewer ulnar collateral ligament injuries of the thumb than in skiing. Failure to use wrist supports also increases the likelihood of wrist fractures and sprains. NA, not available. Wrist fractures are more common in snowboarding than in skiing. Again, falls are the usual mechanism of injury.
Dislocation is the most severe injury affecting the shoulder.
A sedative may be needed to aid in analgesia and relaxation when more than an hour has elapsed since the injury. If the attempt at reduction fails, the injured snowboarder should be transported to a medical facility for radiographic evaluation for possible fracture. Acromioclavicular separation is another common shoulder injury associated with snowboarding. Most grade I through III acromioclavicular injuries can be managed conservatively with a sling and analgesia. Patients can resume full activity when shoulder function has returned and the pain has resolved.