Paragliding accidents--the spine is at risk. A study from a Swiss Trauma Centre - Exadaktylos, A. K.; Sclabas, G.; Eggli, S.; Schonfeld, H.; Gygax, E.; Zimmermann, H. (Eur J Emerg Med, 2003)
In recent decades, paragliding-like other fashionable activities-has become a part of lifestyle and outdoor activities. The introduction of protective devices has helped to reduce the risk of severe injuries. However, it seems that the spine remains the paraglider's 'Achilles heel'. Better education, training, and the introduction of innovative back protectors are required to reduce the frequency and severity of paragliding injuries.
Keywords: journalArticle; *Accidents, Aviation/prevention & control; Accidental Falls; Adult; Aged; Athletic Injuries/classification/*epidemiology/prevention & control; Female; Humans; Lumbar Vertebrae/*injuries; Male; Middle Aged; Prospective Studies; Spinal Injuries/epidemiology/prevention & control; Switzerland/epidemiology; Thoracic Vertebrae/*injuries; Trauma Centers/statistics & numerical data