The pattern of acute injuries in patients from alpine skiing accidents has changed during 2000–2011: analysis of clinical and radiological data at a level I trauma center

Objectives During the last decade, many educational efforts and technological improvements have been made to protect skiing athletes from injuries. Whether these efforts have changed the pattern of acute injuries from skiing casualties has not yet been shown on a medical basis, which this longitudinal study examines. Methods All patients transferred to the Department of Radiology of our level I trauma center for acute emergency computed tomography (CT) after alpine skiing accidents from 2000 to 2011 were included. We hypothesized that only patients with clinical suspicion for injuries were admitted for acute CT. Results Of all acute patients after skiing accidents, 2,252 could be included. From 2000 to 2011, all cerebral injuries and vascular arterial injuries statistically significantly decreased ( p