Winter INJURIES???

As the weather gets colder and the snow starts falling, we start to see an increase in orthopedic injuries. There have been reports of about 1 million U.S. adults injured due to slips and falls every year, with significant increase as temperature declines. Living in New England, we not only experience snow but ice, sleet, and the lovely slush. This causes wet pavement, slippery sidewalks, and heavy snow to be shoveled. If we become aware of the possible injuries from these winter months, we can hopefully prevent them.

Here are some different injuries that can occur in the wintertime,

Fractures:
 Snow and ice can be major contributing factors to the incidence of fractures seen in the winter months, more commonly, distal radius fractures. The radius is one of the two bones in your forearm and the distal end makes up part of the wrist joint. This type of fracture is most often caused by a fall on an outstretched hand or FOOSH. Distal radius fractures account for 1/6th of all fractures seen and treated in emergency rooms. They can be treated conservatively with immobilization, such as splint or cast or surgically with a metal plate and screws/pins.

Winter Sports injuries:
 Winter months also bring winter sports, such as skiing, snowboarding, tubing, etc. Upper extremity and lower extremity injuries are both common in snowboarding and skiing. You may see more lower leg and ankle injuries in snowboarders and upper extremity injuries, in the wrist and shoulders in skiers. Just remember, before hitting the slopes, be sure you receive proper training. Always be aware of the people around you, as many injuries occur due to collisions with others.

Low back Strain/Spasm:
 Shoveling and scraping snow…everyone’s favorite winter chores. These two things cause a surprising number of office and ER visits. Every year, more than 11,000 people are seen for snow-shoveling injuries, such as lumbar strain/spasm. When the snow gets heavier, we tend to get fatigued and start to lift with our backs and not our legs, leading to low back pain/muscle strain. People commonly will experience increased pain with certain movements, such as bending forward, extending backwards, or standing upright. Treatment options can include, topical or oral anti-inflammatories, rest, heat/ice and stretching program. Remember, lift with your legs, not your back!

Compression Fracture:
 As we’ve already discussed, ice and snow cause a large increase in falls in the wintertime. When falling directly onto buttocks, there is always concern for fracture of the spine, more often known as a compression fracture. This is when a vertebra in the spine collapses. This can be caused by trauma, such as falls. Risks factors for compression fractures include, age, osteoporosis, smoking, etc. Depending on severity, treatment can include conservative and/or surgical management.

Preventing These Injuries:
- You can prevent slips and falls by putting down salt on walkways outside your home, especially front steps.
- Having footwear with good traction can help prevent a slip and fall. Rubber soles with a raised pattern are best to achieve a good grip.
- Take shorter strides and be aware of your next step.
- Plan for extra time so no rushing is needed.

Remember, always be extra cautious in the wintertime. Even the simplest of things can turn into serious injuries. Stay safe and stay warm!