Ski and Snowboard Injuries

Figure 1. The ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) and radial collateral ligament (RCL) help stabilize the thumb.
Figure 1. The ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) and radial collateral ligament (RCL) help stabilize the thumb.
Figure 2. Do not loop your hands through ski-pole straps. This can cause injury during a fall.
Figure 2. Do not loop your hands through ski-pole straps. This can cause injury during a fall.
Figure 3. Wrist fracture related to a snowboarding fall.
Figure 3. Wrist fracture related to a snowboarding fall.

Skiing and snowboarding are popular winter sports, and both can lead to upper-extremity injuries. Fortunately, there are ways to decrease the chance of injury.

Skiing Injuries

One of the most common upper-extremity skiing injuries is a thumb ligament tear. A ligament is the soft tissue that connects bones to bones. A ligament stabilizes the thumb on each side where it attaches to the hand. The ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) is on the side near the index finger. The radial collateral ligament (RCL) is on the other side. The UCL is the most commonly injured.

The injury typically occurs with a fall when the ski pole does not release from the hand and the pole bends the thumb into a stressful position.

Three ways to help avoid this injury:

  1. Never place your hand down on the snow to try to avoid a fall.
  2. Do not place your hands through the strap. The strap should be held alongside the pole.
  3. Try to let go of the pole when falling.

If your thumb hurts after a fall, it may be from a UCL injury, sometimes called skier's thumb. A hand surgeon can determine whether it is a partial or complete ligament tear.

Treatment for Skiing Injuries

A partial tear and some complete tears can be treated with a cast or splint. Other complete tears need to be repaired surgically.

Snowboarding Injuries

Snowboarding can cause injuries to the wrist and forearm. The natural protective reaction to an unexpected fall is to place the hands out to stop the fall, which can lead to a wrist injury.

To help avoid these injuries, wear wrist guards or gloves that have built-in wrist guards.

If you injure your wrist while snowboarding, visit a hand surgeon. Your doctor will examine your wrist and may use x-rays, an MRI, or a CT scan to diagnose the problem.

Treatment for Snowboarding Injuries

Treatment may include a splint, cast, or surgery. Sometimes special devices such as metal pins, plates, or screws are needed to stabilize wrist fractures and/or ligament injuries.

This mobile-friendly version is adapted from patient education content originally provided by the American Society for Surgery of the Hand.