RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Penetrating sledding injuries to the lower torso -- 2 case reports
JF Canadian Medical Association Journal
JO CMAJ
FD Canadian Medical Association
SP 353
OP 354
VO 160
IS 3
A1 K. O'Brien
A1 D. Poenaru
YR 1999
UL http://www.cmaj.ca/content/160/3/353.abstract
AB Sledding accidents are frequent and vary in severity. Penetrating sledding injuries are uncommon but may be devastating. Snow-racers--sleds with both steering and braking devices--may be associated with an increased rate of injury. The authors present 2 cases of lower-torso penetrating trauma associated with the use of snow-racers. Both cases involved penetration--of the perineum in one case and the inguinal area in the other--by wooden sticks. Both patients recovered fully after prompt surgical intervention. The authors suggest that the absence of a protective panel at the front of the snow-racer may result in the sledder's lower torso being more exposed to objects encountered while sledding. The injuries reported raise concerns about the safety of modern sleds and the possibility that design changes are needed.