The majority of patients have less severe injuries, which can be managed with a home physical therapy program that involves minimal use of knee immobilizers. Such risk taking increases the likelihood of serious injuries involving trauma to the head, neck, and abdomen. Therefore, it is important to have a good grasp on treatment of concussion and to know how soon patients can safely return to snowboarding. Such injuries should be considered in evaluation of abdominal trauma in adolescents, in whom the prevalence of mononucleosis is also increased. As snowboarding continues to grow in popularity, physicians need to recognize the injury patterns specific to the sport and counsel their patients on ways of minimizing risk of trauma.
Novices have the highest rate of wrist, ankle, and knee injuries.
More experienced snowboarders doing dangerous stunts also are at increased risk of more serious injuries, including trauma to the head, neck, and abdomen. Use of protective equipment, such as wrist guards and helmets, has been shown to decrease injury rates. Beginning snowboarders should be encouraged to take lessons on proper technique, which can help lower their risk of injury. Spectrum of injuries from snowboarding. Evaluation of alpine skiing and snowboarding injury in a northeastern state.