An increase in orthopedic injuries among Israelis due to skiing

Disabled phenomenon: Many Israelis who go on a ski vacation these days are forced to interrupt their vacation due to orthopedic injuries. In the orthopedic sort of Ichilov, almost every day, on vacationers who arrived in Israel following bruises and fragments caused by the popular sport.”In this winter, we are witnessing a considerable increase in orthopedic injuries originated in skiing, compared to the previous winter,” says Prof. Amal Khoury, director of the Orthopedic Division at the Hospital and an orthopedic trauma expert. From the beginning of the ski season in November and so far we have already treated dozens of wounded surfers, and every week at least two wounded are treated for treatment due to the phenomenon. ”

 

According to Prof. Eran Maman, director of the shoulder surgery unit at Ichilov Hospital, most of the injuries are manifested by the shoulder region and the fragments of the smuggling bone due to direct injuries. “Unfortunately, as in road accidents, some of the injuries are not dependent on the surfer himself or the action he did or did not do – but in who dismissed him and collided with him,” he explains.

“The challenging nature of the activity puts surfers at an increased risk of orthopedic injury, “adds Dr. Assaf Bibs, director of urgent medical services at Ichilov Hospital and at the Children’s Hospital.

 

 

Given the increase in injuries, Ichilov experts emphasize that the purchase of dedicated travel insurance that includes a challenging winter sports cover is a critical issue. “Standard insurance policy does not usually cover activities such as skiing and snowboarding, defined as challenging sports. Medical treatment abroad, and especially on ski resorts, may reach tens of thousands of euros,” warns Professor Khoury.

How to act in case of injury?

Prof. Khoury says that in this case, a local hospital must be examined, but if possible, invasive treatments should be avoided. “In Israel, you can know if there is a real companion for surgery, who is the surgeon, what is his training and expertise.

He makes it clear that the most common injury in the lower extremity is a tear in the front cross in the knee. “Even in such a case, it is advisable not to be tempted to undergo surgery on the ski resort.

The wrist injuries are also common in ski surfers, including tears in the thumb strips, forearm fragments and wrist root, which are usually caused by falls by the outstretched. Dr. Shai Factor, a hand surgery expert, emphasizes that without the diagnosis and treatment, these injuries can lead to significant functional injury, so he recommends that you be examined as soon as possible and plan the continued treatment with an expert, after returning to Israel.

How to reduce the chance of being injured?

Prof. Khoury recommends preparation before leaving skiing, which includes heating and tension and wearing suitable protective equipment, including helmet, knee protectors and ski glasses. “Surf to poor conditions in which the surfer loses the route, and of course it is better to avoid surfing in a state of heavy fatigue or under the influence of alcohol, which reduces the degree of caution and impairs the alertness”.

Prof. Maman adds that you should not compromise on the quality of the surf equipment or the quality level of the site. “If you browse the route well and tailored to your level and with quality surf equipment – reduce the chance of being injured.”