Andy Taylor is a specialist knee surgeon at the Bone and Joint Centre at Spire Liverpool Hospital and gives some advice on how to prevent knee injuries whilst on your skiing holiday.

Approximately a third of all ski injuries will affect the knee, which is the most common joint affected by skis. Ligaments are the most commonly affected and one of the most serious knee ligament injuries is a rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL).

The risk of injury is extremely low and for every thousand days skiing there will be three knee injuries. You would generally have to ski for approximately 2,100 days to sustain an ACL rupture. Any injury may be just related to bad luck and the majority occur at relatively low speed where a fall may not be significant enough for the skies to release. There are some simple tips to help reduce your changes of a knee injury.

If you are unfortunate enough to sustain a knee injury, early specialist advice is critical to make the best possible recovery. Most ski resorts will have experience doctors to provide initial treatment but beware of being pressured into surgery. It is rarely necessary for immediate surgery following ski injuries (with the exception of some fractures) and often a simple brace and crutches will allow time to get home and discuss the different treatment options available once you have consulted an expert.

The Bone and Joint Centre can offer such a service and helps sports enthusiasts to return to fitness/activities and to get back on the slopes quickly for further skiing holidays. They, along with a team of dedicated sports physiotherapists, can assess and treat all knee injuries which may not necessarily require surgery. Quick appointment times are available so that patients can immediately access modern imaging, including MRI scanning and ongoing treatment.

For further information please visit www.boneandjointcentre.com and to book an appointment please ring 0151 522 1860.