The records of 100 patients with severe head injuries from downhill skiing accidents treated between 1981 and 1993 in the Sion Regional Hospital were reviewed. Injuries consisted of primary lesions (81 skull fractures, 49 contusions, and seven diffuse axonal injuries) and secondary lesions (22 intracranial hematomas and 18 cases of massive brain swelling). Scalp wounds and concussions constitute 90percnt; of head injuries in downhill skiing and were excluded. Collisions between skiers (13percnt;) and against obstacles (41percnt;) and falls on icy slopes or slopes lacking snow were the direct causes of injuries. Most patients were males (82percnt;), and one third (29percnt;) were below the age of 15. Thirty-eight patients died or were severely disabled. Their deaths motivate the proposition of preventive measures, such as helmet-wearing for children, taking precautions on icy or crowded slopes, and abstaining from skiing on slopes lacking sufficient snow.
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