Author(s): LÖBERBAUER, H., FAULHABER, M., TECKLENBURG, K., KÖBBERLING, E., RUEDL, G., Institution: UNIVERSITY INNSBRUCK, Country: AUSTRIA, Abstract-ID: 1651

INTRODUCTION:
In recreational alpine skiing, injuries most frequently affect the lower extremities, with knee injuries—particularly anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) ruptures—accounting for approximately one-third of all cases. Upper-extremity (UE) injuries represent roughly one-fifth of skiing injuries, with the shoulder being the most commonly affected region. Despite their clinical relevance, UE injuries have received considerably less research attention than knee injuries. This study aimed to identify the predominant causes and mechanisms of UE injuries in recreational alpine skiing.
METHODS:
Recreational skiers aged over 17 years who sustained a UE injury between December 2025 and February 2026 in a large ski area in Western Austria were interviewed at a ski clinic using a standardized questionnaire. Data collected included demographics, accident cause, fall-inducing circumstances, fall direction, arm position at impact, and anatomical injury location. The association between arm position and injury location was assessed using a chi-square test.
RESULTS:
A total of 53 injured skiers (77.4% male; mean age: 40.1 ± 15.7 years) were included. UE injuries occurred predominantly due to self-inflicted falls (71.7%), while collisions with other skiers were less frequent (17.0%). Loss of control was identified as the leading fall trigger (39.6%). Most falls were forward-directed (65.4%). At impact, the arm was most commonly adducted (65.4%), followed by a laterally outstretched position (28.8%). The shoulder girdle was the most frequently injured region (56.6%), followed by the forearm/hand (39.6%). A significant association between arm position and injury location was observed (p = 0.012): adducted arm positions were linked to shoulder injuries, whereas laterally outstretched arms were associated with forearm and hand injuries.
CONCLUSION:
UE injuries in recreational alpine skiing primarily result from self-inflicted forward falls following a loss of control and predominantly affect the shoulder girdle. Arm position at impact is a key determinant of injury location. These findings highlight loss of control as a critical modifiable risk factor. Preventive strategies should therefore emphasize improved skiing technique, better speed regulation, and adaptation to environmental conditions. Even within a limited sample, clear injury patterns were identified, underscoring the importance of targeted prevention measures for UE injuries.