Skiing lacerations. Preventability by the use of ski brakes
T. G. Colmey and F. J. Eck
Analysis of all ski injuries recorded at Vail, Colo, during the 1973-1974
season showed that 178 injuries occurred in which the skier was lacerated
by his own ski. This represented approximately one out of every ten ski
injuries--a ratio that remained constant during the six seasons from 1972
through 1978. Frequently these lacerations occurred about the head and face
and were cosmetically serious in nature. It is believed that such injuries
are largely preventable. The use of ski brakes as an alternative to runaway
straps could appreciably lower the incidence of these injuries.
