Tibial shaft fractures in skiing.

A prospective study of all tibial shaft fractures produced during a single ski season in a Northern Vermont area is presented. Very little previous work concerning skiing-induced tibial fractures was present in the literature. Younger, lighter, and less skilled skiers are more frequently so injured. Spiral fractures account for 41.9% and boot top fractures for 37.9% of the total. Spiral fractures occurred by an internal rotation mechanism just as frequently as by external rotation, and were observed more frequently in slower moving skiers who were using shorter skis and lower, softer boots. Associated fibular fractures were commonly not observed in children. Tibial fractures occurring in skiing are the result of relatively low energy trauma. The level and type of fracture had little effect on healing time. With rare exceptions these fractures heal satisfactorily with nonsurgical techniques.