SEDL / STP / STP860-EB / STP46656S

Cross-Country Skiing Injuries

Boyle, John J.
Surgeon, professors, and research assistant, University of Vermont College of Medicine, Burlington, VT

Johnson, Robert J.
Surgeon, professors, and research assistant, University of Vermont College of Medicine, Burlington, VT

Pope, Malcolm H.
Surgeon, professors, and research assistant, University of Vermont College of Medicine, Burlington, VT

Pierce, Javin C.
Surgeon, professors, and research assistant, University of Vermont College of Medicine, Burlington, VT

Brady, M. Michael
Consultant, Oslo,

Pages: 12    Published: Jan 1985

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Abstract

A controlled, prospective study of the incidence of injury in cross-country skiing was carried out at various ski touring centers in northern Vermont. The rate of injury was determined to be 0.72 per 1000 skier days. Most injuries occurred in beginners or intermediate skiers on downhill terrain. Forty-nine injuries sustained by 43 skiers were evaluated. Of these injuries, 41 % involved the upper extremities, 49% the lower extremities, and 10% the head, face, or trunk. The heel plate design may be implicated in injury, although results at this time remain inconclusive.