Ski/Snowboard Tada Knee Tuck, Suspected anterior Cross Leg Injury
Dec 28, 2024
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Many people head to the ski resort to enjoy the long-awaited winter sports.
However, you should be careful because there is a risk of unexpected injuries.
In particular, among knee injuries, anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture is one of the most common and serious injuries for ski and snowboard enthusiasts.
The anterior cruciate ligament is located inside the knee joint and is a key structure that maintains the stability of the knee. If you suddenly change direction while skiing, fail to land, or twist your knee or bend excessively when you fall on a snowboard, excessive force may be applied to these ligaments and rupture them.
Skiing and snowboarding each have their own risk factors. In the case of skiing, the impact is concentrated on the knee due to ski boots with tightly secured ankles. In particular, if the binding is not properly adjusted, the risk of ligament damage increases when falling.
Snowboards require balance with both feet fixed to the board, so the knee is twisted or rotated when falling, and injuries are likely to occur. If you start activities without sufficient stretching, you are more likely to cause knee injuries with tense muscles and ligaments.
When an anterior cruciate ligament rupture occurs, a rupture may be heard in the knee at the moment of injury, and deep and strong pain is felt inside the knee. Depending on the degree of injury, the knee is swollen within a few hours, movement is limited, and the knee may feel shaken or unstable. It becomes difficult to walk, and there are frequent cases of sudden collapse due to weak knees when coming down stairs or hills. These symptoms indicate the severity of the injury and require immediate response.
Heo Dong-beom, director of Yonsei Star Hospital (Orthopedic Surgeon), said "If you experience symptoms due to bent knees or ankles while enjoying snow sports, you should immediately stop your activities and put a cushion or pillow on your legs to rest higher than your heart." After the initial first aid is completed, the prognosis is good only when you quickly visit a specialist for accurate diagnosis and treatment."
Treatment can depend on the extent of the injury. In mild cases, physical therapy and muscle strengthening exercises can help recovery.
At this time, injection therapy to strengthen ligaments and surrounding tissues is also performed. Injection therapy promotes recovery of damaged tissue, helps reduce inflammation, and makes the recovery process more efficient. In addition, it is important to maintain joint stability by using knee assistants. However, if a complete rupture occurs, surgical treatment is required, and reconstructive surgery of the anterior cruciate ligament is usually performed. Rehabilitation treatment for at least six months is required after surgery, and strength and balance training are essential in this process.
In order to prevent such injuries, some basic principles must be followed. Before activities, it is important to prepare muscles and ligaments flexibly with sufficient stretching and warming up. It is also necessary to use ski equipment suitable for one's weight and skills, and to adjust ski binding appropriately by experts. In addition, it is necessary to steadily carry out exercises to strengthen the quadriceps and hamstrings of the femur to increase the stability of the knee.
Director of the hospital Heo Dong-beom said, "Skiing and snowboarding are great entertainment sports, but preparation and caution are essential to prevent serious injuries such as an anterior cruciate ligament rupture. When the anterior cruciate ligament ruptures, it goes beyond simple pain and loses the stability of the knee joint, which can lead to secondary problems such as long-term joint damage or degenerative arthritis. Proper prevention and prompt response after injury will reduce the severity of injury and allow for the continuation of enjoyable winter sports activities," he stressed.
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bellho@sportschosun.com
