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Abstract
Splenic rupture secondary to skiing appears to fall into two distinct epidemiological
patterns: high-speed impact with stationary objects and simple falls (mogul injury).
Of 18 splenic injuries seen at a referral hospital over 12 years, six were high-speed
collisions with trees, lift towers or other solid objects. Twelve were low-speed falls
impacting on moguls, the ski trail or low-speed impact with a trailside object (stump
or rock). Those who sustained low-speed injuries frequently skied down the mountain
afterwards without assistance (
), and had no other significant concomitant injuries other than minor renal contusions
compared with the collision group (P < 0.005). The rate of splenic salvage was also
higher in this group than in the collision group (68 per cent vs 17 per cent). The
six high-speed collision splenic injury victims were all transported down the mountain
by toboggan, and all had significant associated injuries. The incidence of concomitant
renal injuries with splenic injuries in both groups was higher than in other reported
series (10 of 18 patients). Some of those who skied down the mountain themselves sought
medical attention only when they experienced haematuria. There were no significant
differences in the length of stay in hospital, or intensive care units (ICU), or transfusion
requirements or complications between groups. It is suggested that those who ski down
the mountain themselves and present in a delayed fashion to medical/first aid facilities
may still have serious abdominal injury but have a potentially higher rate of spleen
salvage.

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Article info
Publication history
Accepted:
August 5,
1994
Identification
Copyright
© 1995 Published by Elsevier Inc.