Snowboarder

Wrist Injuries

Snowboard injuries tend to be to the upper limb. We are 3x more likely to injure the upper limb than the lower limb, and twice as likely to have a fracture compared with skiers.

The most common area for injury is the wrist and then the shoulder.

Snowboarding relies on balance. The feet are fixed with non release bindings. Momentum being achieved by movement of the upper body and balance is achieved by the upper limbs.  When a snowboarder falls, the natural instinct is to stretch out the arms and consequently land on a outstretched hand!

70% of wrist injuries in snowboarders are fractures, which can vary in severity! A clean fracture will need immobilisation in a plaster cast for 6 weeks and then rehabilitation after this.

Prevention is better than cure!

Wrist guards have been found to prevent wrist fractures in snowboarders.  Trials have shown that those wearing wrist guards are half as likely to injure the wrist than those not wearing them, Statistics show that only 10% of boarders wear them.

A flexible guard with protection along the back of the wrist and going most of the way up the forearm is preferred.

So whichever winter sport you choose, remember to be safe.  We have been reminded recently about the importance of head injuries.  Helmets are recommended, which can reduce the severity of a head injury by up to 50%.

Be safe and have fun!