Parachuting injuries: a retrospective study of 43,690 military descents -

Although it is considered to carry some risk, parachuting is a popular activity practiced by civilians and military personnel. Great majority of injuries are related to mistakes in technique. Objective of this study is to present incidence, locations and risk factors of skeletal injuries occurring in 43,690 static line and free fall military jumps. Data of jumps and parachute-related injuries were collected prospectively, evaluated statistically by using chi-square test and logistic regression. There were 353 injuries in 43,690 parachute jumps (8.07 injuries per 1000 aircraft exits). Injury rate was 3.2 times higher in static line group than free fall group. This difference was statistically significant. Fifty-five percent and 100 % of parachutists were carrying combat equipment; 95 % and 100 % of injuries were occurred during landing in both groups, respectively. Incidences of ankle injuries were 21.9 % and 27.3 % in static line and free fall parachuting. As a conclusion, static line military parachutists are more prone to injuries. Most of the parachuterelated injuries are landing injuries. Carrying heavy combat equipments is an important factor affecting injury rates. Ankle is the typical and most vulnerable site which can have a negative effect on individual career of the parachutist.