New radiology exhibit: How to improve treatment for musculoskeletal ski/snowboard injuries

As skiing and snowboarding continue to be the most popular winter sports, they also carry a significant risk of injury. One new exhibit will show how radiologists can meet these injuries head on with proper patient management and the latest imaging techniques.

"It is important for radiologists to understand these injuries patterns," said Dr. Hillary Boortz, lead author for this exhibit. "When a patient presents with the appropriate history, the radiologist can properly protocol the study and alter their search algorithms to assure that an injury isn't overlooked." She believes that a thorough history is the key for delivering the best patient care for these types of injuries. She noted, "The occurrence and presentation of these injuries to the ER will vary by location. However, history is important in these patients in order to prompt the radiologist both to look for these injuries and to protocol the study appropriately."

Boortz and her team will provide a concise overview for preventing, managing, and treating these injuries. Participants with also learn about injury mechanisms and the most frequently encountered injuries associated with alpine skiing and snowboarding, such as skier's thumb and other radial fractures. This exhibit will also explore the importance of effective communication with other healthcare professionals for treating these patients. Boortz said, "Learning to communicate with orthopedic surgeons is probably the best way to learn the appropriate management of these patients."

The study will be presented on April 28, 2012 at the 2012 ARRS Annual Meeting in Vancouver, Canada.

Source: American Roentgen Ray Society