Knee injuries and collisions: skiing accidents at a record level!

Knee injuries and collisions: skiing accidents at a record level!

In Murnau am Staffelsee, ARAG Versicherung has published alarming data on skiing accidents. According to the reports, the number of knee injuries and collisions has risen sharply in the event of skiing accidents. Over 20 percent of the injuries result from collisions. This is the highest level that has been determined so far. In the winter of 2023/2024, the total number of injured ski athletes fell by 52 percent compared to the 1979/80 season, but she rose to the level before the pandemic compared to the previous season. In this context, the Ski Foundation also reports on similar developments.

The BG accident clinic Murnau treats many international patients with typical skiing accident injuries, under which the knee band injuries, tibia head fractures, shoulder injuries and traumatic brain trauma frequently occur. The medical director Fabian Stuby emphasizes that modern ski equipment has produced a change in the types of injury. In particular, the shift in strength to the knee has meant that instead of rotating breaks of the shin, shin -leg -head injuries that are more complicated to heal.

injury trends and causes of the accident

The security measures, such as new binding systems and the wearing of ski helmets, have made skiing safer, but also faster. This leads to more frequent collisions, especially with trees or ski lift supports. The increase in shoulder injuries, which is attributed to carving technology, in which the body first touches the floor with the shoulder is particularly questionable. In this context, it is important that skiers are careful because artificial snow becomes hard and icy, which worsens the slopes and increases the risk of falling.

The managing director of DSV Aktiv, Andreas König, emphasizes that despite the risks, the joy of skiing was unbroken, especially in spring. Injuries However do occur, and according to data from the Previous Seasons, Approximately 46,000 to 48,000 individualed Medical Assistance Because of Skiing Injuries During the 2022/23 Season. Furthermore, knee injuries make up 27.4 percent of skiing accidents, even 38 percent in women. 3.01 out of 1,000 skiers alone suffer knee injuries. The risk of shoulder injuries has also increased with 2.64 per 1,000 skiers.

prevention measures and insurance

In order to minimize the risk of accidents, skiers should prepare their body and equipment well. Exercises to improve coordination and the regular maintenance of the ski material are of great importance. Trauma surgeon Prof. Dieter Pennig advises not to have knee injuries operated on in the holiday area. Aftercare plays a crucial role in the success of the treatment. Older winter athletes in particular are often affected by hip fractures, which is why associations are urgently advised to carry helmets.

The Ski Foundation also reports that the risk of inpatient treatments remains stable, with around 7,200 to 7,300 such treatments to be expected in the 2023/2024 season. The increase in collision accidents and the growing danger of knee injuries are part of a worrying trend. The total number of injuries, which must be treated inpatient, is 57 percent, with 48 percent need to be operated on.

For skiers, it is therefore advisable to take out a suitable insurance against skiing accidents. These insurance companies, which cover salvage costs, are particularly useful because they can often be very expensive.