Children under 18 are more prone to injuries in winter sports compared to adults, largely due to increased risk behaviors and the importance of ensuring their equipment is safe, experts say.
University Orthopedics Drs. Michael Belanger and Michael Staebler recently spoke with Channel 10’s Barbara Morse about the importance of proper equipment when it comes to preventing injury on the slopes.
If you should injure yourself while on the slopes, be sure to seek out appropriate medical attention. For serious emergencies such as head trauma, spine injuries, or open fractures, please call 911 or head to the nearest emergency room. For injuries like sprains and broken bones, University Orthopedics has walk-in service available at OrthoDirect locations in East Greenwich and East Providence, as well as same-day and next-day appointments in Mansfield.
About Dr. Staebler
Michael P. Staebler, MD is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon specializing in Sports Medicine. His areas of interest and expertise include operative and non-operative treatment of sports injuries in children and adults at the recreational, collegiate, and professional levels. His surgical skills include minimally invasive arthroscopic treatment of shoulder, knee, and ankle injuries but also performs hip and knee replacement, and custom partial knee resurfacing in older athletes with arthritis.
Dr. Staebler is a team physician for several area high schools, Roger Williams College and Salve Regina University. He is a member of the American Board of Orthopedic Surgeons, American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons and American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine.
About Dr. Belanger
Michael J. Belanger, MD is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon specializing in Sports Medicine and Orthopedic Trauma. His areas of interest and expertise include adult and adolescent sports medicine and fracture care, as well as adult joint reconstruction.
Dr. Belanger is a Clinical Assistant Instructor for the Department of Orthopaedics, at the Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University. He is a member of the United States Ski and Snowboard Association Team Physician Pool. Dr. Belanger is a Fellow of The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgery; member of The Rhode Island Orthopaedic Society; and board certified by The American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery. He is also a member of The Arthroscopy Association of North America, and The AO North America.