Paragliding accidents--the spine is at risk. A study from a Swiss Trauma Centre

A K Exadaktylos; G Sclabas; S Eggli; H Schönfeld; E Gygax; H Zimmermann

doi:10.1097/00063110-200303000-00008

Paragliding accidents--the spine is at risk. A study from a Swiss Trauma Centre

Eur J Emerg Med. 2003 Mar;10(1):27-9. doi: 10.1097/00063110-200303000-00008.

Authors

A K Exadaktylos¹, G Sclabas, S Eggli, H Schönfeld, E Gygax, H Zimmermann

Affiliation

¹ Department of Trauma and Emergency Medicine, Inselspital, The University of Berne, Switzerland.

PMID: 12637858
DOI: 10.1097/00063110-200303000-00008

Abstract

In recent decades, paragliding-like other fashionable activities-has become a part of lifestyle and outdoor activities. The introduction of protective devices has helped to reduce the risk of severe injuries. However, it seems that the spine remains the paraglider's 'Achilles heel'. Better education, training, and the introduction of innovative back protectors are required to reduce the frequency and severity of paragliding injuries.

MeSH terms

Accidental Falls
Accidents, Aviation* / prevention & control
Adult
Aged
Athletic Injuries / classification
Athletic Injuries / epidemiology*
Athletic Injuries / prevention & control
Female
Humans
Lumbar Vertebrae / injuries*
Male
Middle Aged
Prospective Studies
Spinal Injuries / epidemiology
Spinal Injuries / prevention & control
Switzerland / epidemiology
Thoracic Vertebrae / injuries*
Trauma Centers / statistics & numerical data