Few sports can compare with the speed and exhilaration of skiing. But the very things that make it so enjoyable also make skiing a risky sport. High-speed collisions and falls are common and these can cause injuries, some of which have a long recovery time.
In this article, we look at some of the elbow and shoulder injuries that happen most frequently on the ski slopes. We consider what symptoms to look out for and the possible treatment options. And, while it’s not always possible to prevent accidents, we also explore the measures you can take to avoid your risk of getting injured while skiing.
Elbow injuries
If you fall at high speed, it’s natural to put out your arm to break your fall. Unfortunately, this can sometimes result in a fracture or dislocated elbow joint, as well as injuries to the shoulder (see below).
- Elbow dislocations are the result of the bones of your elbow joint being forced out of place. There are three bones within your joint – the humerus, ulna and radius. Any one of these bones can become dislocated and a dislocation may also strain or tear the surrounding soft tissues that support the joint. Sometimes you can also fracture the bone when you dislocate your elbow. Depending on how far the bones are wrenched out of place, you may sustain a partial or complete dislocation. A complete dislocation is when the bones become completely separated whereas a partial dislocation means the bones are still touching but are not quite in the right position.
- Symptoms of a dislocated elbow include: Pain, bruising, swelling and being unable to move your elbow.
- Treatment: A dislocated elbow will need to be put back into position but never try and do this yourself as you could cause more damage. Once the bones are correctly aligned again, you will need to wear a splint or sling to hold them in place while the elbow heals. You will need to rest the elbow as much as possible for a few weeks. Sometimes, if the joint fails to heal correctly you may need surgery to reset the bones.
- Elbow fractures can result from a collision or falling onto an outstretched hand. You may fracture your olecranon which is the tip of your elbow, the radial head which connects to the humerus (upper arm bone) or the distal humerus, which joins the elbow to the shoulder joint.
- Symptoms of a fractured elbow include: pain, deformity of the elbow joint, swelling, bruising and stiffness. You may experience numbness or weakness in your hands and fingers and your elbow might feel as though it could pop out of the joint. You may need an X-ray or CT scan to confirm the diagnosis.
- Treatment will depend on the severity of the fracture. If the bones are still correctly aligned (a non-displaced fracture) the fracture will normally heal without surgery. You will need to wear a cast or sling while the bones knit together. However, if you have a displaced fracture (where the bones have been jolted out of place) you may need surgery to reconstruct the joint. Once moved back into the correct position, the bones will be held in place with plates, screws or pins. A programme of physiotherapy can support the bones to heal and help prevent stiffness and loss of mobility in the elbow.
Shoulder injuries
- Rotator cuff damage – One of the most common shoulder injuries among skiers is a torn or damaged rotator cuff. The rotator cuff is the group of muscles and tendons that help to stabilise the shoulder joint and you can damage your rotator cuff as the result of a fall, colliding with another skier or planting your pole incorrectly. This type of injury is also linked to bicep tears, which occur in the upper section of the biceps tendon.
- Symptoms of a damaged rotator cuff include: pain particularly when reaching above your head, a feeling of weakness in the shoulder, and a catching or clicking sensation in the shoulder joint.
- Treatment may include physiotherapy, painkilling medication and steroid injections into the shoulder. For more severe tears you may require surgery which might be performed arthroscopically (keyhole surgery) or using an open repair.
- Read more about rotator cuff injuries here.
- Shoulder fractures and dislocations are also common injuries linked to skiing. A torn labrum (which is the ring of cartilage around the shoulder socket) can result in repeated shoulder dislocations.
Preventing ski slope injuries
It is a good idea to build up your fitness levels before you go on a skiing holiday and, once you get there, start with easy runs before working your way up to the more difficult slopes. Always warm up and cool down thoroughly before and after strenuous physical activity and listen to your body. Stop when you feel tired and plan rest times so your body can recover after intense exercise. Make sure you wear the correct protective equipment and skis that fit properly. Stay well-hydrated and follow any safety advice. If you suspect a serious injury, always stop immediately and seek medical advice, as continuing to use a damaged limb can cause further damage.
If you have sustained an elbow or shoulder injury as the result of skiing or any other kind of fall or collision contact us for a diagnosis and/or treatment.
A patient who recently underwent surgery with us for a dislocated shoulder said this on the independent review site Iwantgreatcare:
“Mr Ibrahim clearly communicated all options and emphasised that each of them had both pros and cons. When I decided to go for the surgical approach, Mr Ibrahim was very clear and always communicated everything calmly and in detail. I always felt in good hands and the experience on the day of the surgery was fantastic, as was recovery! I am now officially 7 months post-surgery and have been signed off by both Mr Ibrahim and my physio. I feel great, am back to doing sport 5-6x a week (more than before my injury!) and have absolutely no complaints. Overall, my entire experience with Mr Ibrahim was amazing.”
Private patient at Syon Clinic – part of Circle Health Group.
30 October 2024
Orthopaedic Consultant & Surgeon | London
Thames Shoulder & Elbow are able to provide advice and support to anyone experiencing symptoms affecting the upper limbs (shoulder, upper arm, elbow, forearm and wrist).
Telephone: 020 376 15987
Email: admin@thamesshoulderandelbow.co.uk
Our Locations
Hospital of St John and St Elizabeth, St John’s Wood – Directions
BMI The Syon Clinic, Brentford – Directions
HCA Chiswick Medical Centre, Chiswick – Directions
West Middlesex University Hospital, Chelsea and Westminster Foundation Trust, Isleworth – Directions
