Snowboarding trauma.

Injuries sustained by 487 snowboarders over 1991-1993 winter seasons and 565 injury cases compiled nationally were reviewed. Over 80% of patients in both series are between 5 and 24 years old. Distal radius (wrist) fractures and upper extremity soft tissue trauma were common injuries. None of the Vermont snowboarders wore protective equipment. Snowboarding is a sport with the potential for disabling injuries in a young segment of the population. To reduce the number of injuries, all participants should wear protective wrist and upper extremity pads. The mechanism of injury in most injured snowboarders was loss of control of the equipment. More injuries are expected in this popular sport without mandated protective equipment and training.