Anterior cruciate ligament injury in recreational alpine skiers: analysis of mechanisms and strategy for prevention.

Between 1995 and 1997, a retrospective survey was conducted in Japan to classify the types of injuries sustained by recreational alpine skiers. The purpose of this study was to investigate the causes and mechanisms of lower-extremity equipment-related (LEER) anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury in this population. Seventy-seven (96%) of the 80 respondents reported that their ski bindings did not release their ski boots at the time of their accident, and 30 respondents (38%) reported functional failure of their ski bindings, or that the ski boots came off. By presenting this investigation, we hope to give sports medicine clinicians a better understanding of LEER injuries and insights into how to prevent such injuries.