[Treatment and socioeconomic consequences of skiing injuries in the County of Vejle during the 1986/1987 season].

In a prospective study conducted in the County of Vejle in the skiing-season 1986/1987, the hospitals were contacted by 129 persons who had skiing-injuries. Forty-one patients were primarily treated abroad and 35 patients were primarily examined or treated in Denmark after their return. Fifty-three patients who were injured in Denmark were primarily examined or treated in the casualty ward. The injuries the most often seen were knee and thumb-injuries. Twenty-three operations were undertaken, 15 on knees, and five on thumbs. A total of 139 bed-days were registered, 114 for injuries abroad and 25 for Danish injuries. Fifty-nine injured persons lost 1,481 days on account of sickness. The yearly nationwide costs for the health services in connection with skiing-injuries are calculated to be 9.2 million kroner (approximately 760,000 pounds). The expenses for loss from production are calculated to be 8.6 million kroner (approximately 716,000 pounds).