Implications of Wrist Guard Use on Wrist Injuries in Pediatric Snowboarders: A Retrospective Case Series
SourceThis retrospective case series aimed to describe the relationship between wearing wrist guards and sustaining a wrist injury amongst pediatric snowboarders (defined as snowboarders aged 17 years and under). Data were collected via a National Incident Database over a 5-yr period (2006–2010) from patients seen at a single accident and medical clinic in New Zealand. In total, 174 wrist injuries occurring in 171 pediatric patients were identified. 30 individuals (18 %) were wearing wrist guards. The following factors were commonly seen in those with a pediatric wrist injury: teenage age (14–17 years), male sex, a falling injury, and hard snow. Poor visibility was not associated with wrist injuries. A slightly higher percentage of fractures (compared to sprains) were seen in children who did wear wrist guards.