Many outdoor enthusiasts consider snowboarding to be an exciting sport. If you are looking for a fun winter activity, this may be for you. However, as with any sport, there are dangers you need to be aware of. Injuries involved in snowboarding include fractures, lacerations, contusions and joint dislocations. Although less common, hip dislocations from snowboarding can be medical emergencies that require immediate treatment.
Anatomy
Think of the hip joint as a ball that fits into a socket. In this case, the ball is the femoral head. This is connected to the rest of the femur or upper leg. The femoral head is held inside the socket by ligaments and is supported by muscles. The anatomy of the hip allows for mobile movement in all directions. This also means the hip can be dislocated differently; the hip can be pulled away from the hip joint anteriorly or posteriorly.
Cause
Snowboarders are at risk for a dislocated hip. This is due to the twisting action of the hips and pelvis combined with force that is put on the extremities. The position the femoral head lies when the injury occurs will determine if there is an anterior dislocation or a posterior dislocation. A study published in the "Journal of Trauma" in 2003 reported that snowboarders were much more likely than skiers to have posterior dislocations versus anterior dislocations.
Treatment
Treatment needs to be completed as soon as possible. If not done quickly, blood vessels and nerves can be compromised. This can lead to bone death that can produce avascular necrosis or osteonecrosis. X-ray films may need to be taken prior to treatment, as about 30 percent of snowboarders with a hip dislocation may also suffer a hip fracture, according to the 2003 study. A physician or trained professional will reduce the dislocation by manual manipulation. If not successful, the hip may have to be surgically put back into place.
Prevention
Snowboarding can be a fun and rewarding experience if proper prevention methods are implemented. Exercises should be done to help minimize injuries and keep hip dislocations from occurring. Muscle-stabilizing exercises are best in this regard. Leg press exercises and squats will help build quadriceps muscles, which will help support your hip joint. Combine with leg curls to strengthen the legs overall.
References
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons; Hip Dislocations; August 2007
- "The Journal of Trauma"; An Analysis of Hip Dislocations Among Snowboarders and Skiers; Matsumoto K, et al.; November 2003
- Rothman Institute Orthopaedics: Skiing and Snowboarding
- "Rockwood and Green's Fractures in Adults"; Hip Dislocations and Fractures of the Femoral Head; Robert W. Bucholz, et al.; 2009
- "Acta Orthopaedica Scandinavica"; The Dangers of Snowboarding: A 9-year Prospective Comparison of Snowboarding and Skiing Injuries; Dohjima T, et al.; December 2001
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