We now are seeing ankle fractures and distal tibia and fibula fractures as snowboarders fall, twist, and hear the nauseating crack of the fracturing bone. Injuries occur at a similar rate to skiing of 3 to 4 injuries per 1,000 exposure days. The mild to moderate snowboarding injuries are predominately located in the ankle and wrist with more severe injuries resulting from contact with trees or other skiers. The wrist and ankle injuries including fractures and sprains, led to a wider use of wrist splints particularly for beginning snowboarders. The contact injuries, due to their severity, has led to the use of helmets which is now strongly recommended for all snowboarders.
Knee injuries are currently uncommon in snowboarders except when they hit a tree.
Then, instead of tearing the anterior cruciate ligament that the skier tears when he falls backwards or twists, the snowboarder tears the posterior cruciate ligament as his forward leg contacts the immovable object. The direct posterior force ruptures the ligament and leaves the knee unstable. Shoulder injuries have occurred at a rate similar to skiing with the primary injuries being separated AC joints, dislocations, and torn rotator cuffs. All three injuries frequently require surgical repair for optimal results. At this time, we recommend that snowboarders wear wrist supports, helmets, soft boots with strap bindings, and stay in control.