Skis post serious injury

[cortenaz123]

Hi
Background
Jan 2020 I had an extremely serious ski accident almost losing my right leg due to severity of injuries and resulting compartment syndrome. In summary I fractured my fibula and tibia (severe compound fracture) and my tibial plateau “imploded” plus all the knee ligaments were destroyed as well as permanent neurological damage down my leg. Anyway three major surgeries and 6 months in an Ilizarov-Taylor spatial frame (external) then 18 months of physio and rehab and I was given the go ahead to ski again with a large brace, recognising it would probably only ever be gentle skiing on reds & blues (I’m in Europe), def no bumps and probably no more off piste .

currently skiing on - I’ve been out on one of my old sets of skis for the last 4 days - my old Dynstar Glory’s (84 waist). They’re ok but not great and I think now they’re too long for me (I’m 5’2” or 157cm and the skis are 156cm) and they’re not as easy to turn as I could do with. I’m going to try my Blizzard Black Pearl 88s tomorrow in 152cm length and see how I fare with them. I’m too nervous to ski as aggressively and fast as I used to and my limited right leg function means I need to ski “steadily, especially as I’m coming up to 64 and the surgeon’s expectation is my right knee will deteriorate significantly over next few years till I need a total knee replacement.

So my question - should I try a complete lightweight on piste ski at 148 or 153cm? Something like a Head Joy? Or any other recommendations. Thanks I’m advance for any suggestions.

 

[Jilly]

Couple of things. Skis really don't care how tall you are, it's your weight and power. On the power side, yours is not what it used to be. Even with the rehab, your nervous, and we all get that. I was too and only had meniscus surgery.

Secondly - when were the Glory's last tuned? Spend some money on a tune up.
Third - go demo. It's fun to try out different skis. Maybe try something a little narrower if all your going to do it piste skiing...75-78 maybe.

 

[shadoj]

extremely serious ski accident almost losing my right leg due to severity of injuries and resulting compartment syndrome

Whoa! Welcome back to skiing, and glad you're slowly healing up. You're a trooper, getting back out on the snow after this whole ordeal

See how those black pearls feel. Nothing wrong with having to go even shorter/narrower to ease turning and knee strain, if needed. I'll let the other divas chime in with better suggestions.

You rock!

 

[ski diva]

Wow, I have no suggestions, but holy cow, you've been through a lot! Here's hoping you get it all sorted out.

And welcome to the forum.

 

[skibum4ever]

Welcome to the Forum and best of luck on the slopes.

No advice but I am following.

 

[Little Lightning]

Are you cleared to do regular workouts? I'm asking because I suffered several injuries to my left side that inhibited my skiing. I literally had no stability on the left. I hurt walking, bicycling, skiing etc. They were the type of injuries that surgery could not improve. Months of physio didn't help. My world was narrowing. I was losing strength, endurance and desire to remain active. At the time I was 69 and didn't want to end up sedentary like many of my peers.

I was familiar with the FMS, https://www.functionalmovement.com/ The founder, Gray Cook wrote the book called Athletic Body in Balance. He talks about the keys to success in sports, speed, quickness, agility, power, control, stamina, coordination. There is also a book Total Skiing, by Chris Fellows which focus on the importance of movement and fitness then goes into technique and tactics. When skiing I missed the point of good movement and focused on Technique and tactics.

In the fall of 2017 I realized I was going downhill physically but accepting that I most likely would always be in pain from my injuries I decided to find a personal trainer who was FMS certified. The FMS website lists trainers in your local area.

I was very nervous at first due to age and injuries. I had worked on my endurance and strength for years but felt I wouldn't measure up. Fortunately, the trainer took me back to basics. 1st I was FMS screened then all my workouts were designed to improve my screen. After retesting I moved on to a new phase. I'm well beyond the initial stages and have learned so many new exercises and skills that I thought impossible for someone my age.

For the first time in nearly 2 years I skied on Tues. I wasn't nervous but expected to feel like a beginner. Instead I felt normal, everything clicked, but after a couple of runs I noticed I was skiing better. Issues that I had been trying to correct such as bending at the waist, wasn't there. I didn't have to focus on turning my left side. I didn't hesitate in my turns, I was using my poles without thinking about them. I was more aware of what my body (hips) were doing. I had a "flow" that didn't exist before.

Best part, no pain in my left leg or hip. Yes, my legs were a little tired. Really felt my glutes. I could tell all my leg muscles were working, glutes, hamstrings, quads. Felt my obliques yesterday morning and core muscles. No stiffness or soreness today (Friday).

So don't give up on yourself. It will take time and effort but all is not lost. The body is an amazing machine and you can improve from your injuries if you give yourself time. Good luck.

 

[skibum4ever]

Congratulations @Little Lightning. I just checked and there are a number of FMS facilities in my area. This might be something that I will look into when I am ready.

Enjoy your skiing.

 

[newboots]

What a story! I’m so impressed with your determination to get back on the mountain!

Narrower skis are thought to be easier on the knees than wide. And, as mentioned above, an opportunity to demo skis of various lengths and widths will tell you so much! I would avoid buying new skis until you have a chance to try a few. Those Black Pearls or Head ———Joys might be perfect, but buying them is an expensive way to experiment.

Good for your doctors for giving you the go-ahead! So many people here have been told “no” and have to shop for a doctor that is an athlete and can understand.

 

[cortenaz123]

Thanks for the advice. It’s almost impossible to demo skis in France. The only option is to rent skis but then the range most of the rental shops have is really limited - just a couple of brands/models - and often what’s available to rent either isn’t available to buy (only sold to ski rental shops) or isn't the type of ski you want to buy.

 

[cortenaz123]

What a story! I’m so impressed with your determination to get back on the mountain!

Narrower skis are thought to be easier on the knees than wide. And, as mentioned above, an opportunity to demo skis of various lengths and widths will tell you so much! I would avoid buying new skis until you have a chance to try a few. Those Black Pearls or Head ———Joys might be perfect, but buying them is an expensive way to experiment.

Good for your doctors for giving you the go-ahead! So many people here have been told “no” and have to shop for a doctor that is an athlete and can understand.

I took my 2019 Black Pearls out today. They’re ok but I can’t do short turns on them very easily. Also I struggled when the snow was cruddy underfoot. May have to try renting something for a day or two.

 

[cortenaz123]

Are you cleared to do regular workouts? I'm asking because I suffered several injuries to my left side that inhibited my skiing. I literally had no stability on the left. I hurt walking, bicycling, skiing etc. They were the type of injuries that surgery could not improve. Months of physio didn't help. My world was narrowing. I was losing strength, endurance and desire to remain active. At the time I was 69 and didn't want to end up sedentary like many of my peers.

I was familiar with the FMS, https://www.functionalmovement.com/ The founder, Gray Cook wrote the book called Athletic Body in Balance. He talks about the keys to success in sports, speed, quickness, agility, power, control, stamina, coordination. There is also a book Total Skiing, by Chris Fellows which focus on the importance of movement and fitness then goes into technique and tactics. When skiing I missed the point of good movement and focused on Technique and tactics.

In the fall of 2017 I realized I was going downhill physically but accepting that I most likely would always be in pain from my injuries I decided to find a personal trainer who was FMS certified. The FMS website lists trainers in your local area.

I was very nervous at first due to age and injuries. I had worked on my endurance and strength for years but felt I wouldn't measure up. Fortunately, the trainer took me back to basics. 1st I was FMS screened then all my workouts were designed to improve my screen. After retesting I moved on to a new phase. I'm well beyond the initial stages and have learned so many new exercises and skills that I thought impossible for someone my age.

For the first time in nearly 2 years I skied on Tues. I wasn't nervous but expected to feel like a beginner. Instead I felt normal, everything clicked, but after a couple of runs I noticed I was skiing better. Issues that I had been trying to correct such as bending at the waist, wasn't there. I didn't have to focus on turning my left side. I didn't hesitate in my turns, I was using my poles without thinking about them. I was more aware of what my body (hips) were doing. I had a "flow" that didn't exist before.

Best part, no pain in my left leg or hip. Yes, my legs were a little tired. Really felt my glutes. I could tell all my leg muscles were working, glutes, hamstrings, quads. Felt my obliques yesterday morning and core muscles. No stiffness or soreness today (Friday).

So don't give up on yourself. It will take time and effort but all is not lost. The body is an amazing machine and you can improve from your injuries if you give yourself time. Good luck.

Hi. No I’m not allowed to do various things. Allowed to walk and ride a bike, also swimming and I can manage “easy” yoga but nothing where the knee has to be in contact with the floor. No impact activity - no running, jumping etc. but thanks for all the info.

 

[Jilly]

The BP's are not really meant for short turns. I have knee issues and my daily driver is a tuned down race skis. That might be too much for you. But look for a used pair of something under 78mm waist. That won't involve too many euro's spent.

 

[Little Lightning]

Hi. No I’m not allowed to do various things. Allowed to walk and ride a bike, also swimming and I can manage “easy” yoga but nothing where the knee has to be in contact with the floor. No impact activity - no running, jumping etc. but thanks for all the info.

Even though I wasn't restricted I could barely walk. I would put my hiking boots on, for support, and walk around my back yard. A slight twist would cause pain. While in my 1st round of PT I worked with a therapist who trained with a foot specialist. She evaluated my foot, determined I had a pretty rigid arch and recommended footwear with a forgiving arch or no arch. Biking was painful so I had to find insoles that were supportive, but not too supportive so I could bike. I felt better barefoot and eventually went to minimalist shoes, which is all I wear now.

During my second round of PT I was given exercises that were above my ability. Once the PT said, "wow, you really favor your left side". That should have been a clue to how much I was compensating but it wasn't for either of us.

I do run, jump, lift now but those activities only happen when my body was ready to do them. Yesterday I looked back at my workout records. When I started with my trainer I did exercises I had not seen before. I scored mostly 1's on the FMS screen so I was assigned "correctives" until I improved my screen. I then moved on at a low level, paying very close attention to form. There is also a screen for people with injuries or limitations. It's called the SFMA.

I also understand your concerns. I was scared I'd be put into a Crossfit type of training. The gym offered a 1 month membership so I decided to give it a try. There's a woman who workouts the same time I do. She has some kind of handicap. Her workouts are low level. She does mostly exercises with the stability ball, core work, easy TRX, light weights, etc. The other day she was using the agility ladder but she was learning to walk the steps. I admire her for staying with the program.

Also, I've been at this for a few years. None of what I do now happened overnight. Neither did my compensations due to knee pain, rotator cuff, ACL surgery, SI Joint issues, lots of repetitive motion with bicycling, etc.

It's scary and frustrating overcoming injuries. Learn as much as you can about movement through resources I mentioned. Give yourself time. You'll know when it's time to seek out other sources.

 

[newboots]

@cortenaz123 - I forgot to say how happy we are that you are here! Best of luck with renting; it seems that if you can try something narrower and something shorter, that will give you an idea of what to look for. I hope so!

 

[2ski2moro]

Welcome! I want to address the ski length issue. I am about your age,
5’0” and ski a 156. I had 149 skis, but they weren’t as stable. In chopped up snow, I felt more twisting movements than I do with my longer skis. The longer ones are much more stable for me.

I will be demoing this year. With all the rocker and camber, many skis ski ‘short’. I have considered going to a 161 or 163.

Demo is the easiest way to discover what works for you.

 

[SMichael08]

I can't really offer much insight on best options regarding length or width, but in terms of ease of turns, I I've been really impressed and pleased by the "Amphibio profile" (asymmetrical) that Elan uses in their skis to help with turn initiation. This is my first season skiing their 86 width Wildcats (which also come narrower), and I was a bit nervous about the transition from my previous 68 width skis. While I'm getting used to having bigger skis overall (and getting back in ski shape, period), when it came to making turns and getting them on edge, I didn't even notice the difference from my previous narrow skis. Elan also has their Insomnia lind of carvers (sub 80 widths) that have the asymmetrical build as well. Only thing is I haven't had mine out in much crud yet, so reserving judgement and comment on that front. I have the 158, which is a step up from my previous length of 154, but it was either that or step down to 152. I do kind of wish I'd been able to try the 152s as the 158s aren't quite as pivoty as I might like, but hoping that once I get my ski legs back under me, that better control will come. But Elan does have options in the 140s and low 150s, which can be harder to find in adult skis. Not super helpful, but something else to consider!

 

[scandium]

Welcome and wow, what a recovery! Would something like the Astral 78 suit your new ski style? I demo'd it in a very short length some years ago (2017?) but I'm not sure the construction has changed hugely. It was definitely one of those "turn on a dime" skis even accounting for the short length, but I believe it still has some metal for the stability and comes in shorter lengths. The narrower width may also be nicer to your knees.

 

[skinnyfootskis]

Hi
Background
Jan 2020 I had an extremely serious ski accident almost losing my right leg due to severity of injuries and resulting compartment syndrome. In summary I fractured my fibula and tibia (severe compound fracture) and my tibial plateau “imploded” plus all the knee ligaments were destroyed as well as permanent neurological damage down my leg. Anyway three major surgeries and 6 months in an Ilizarov-Taylor spatial frame (external) then 18 months of physio and rehab and I was given the go ahead to ski again with a large brace, recognising it would probably only ever be gentle skiing on reds & blues (I’m in Europe), def no bumps and probably no more off piste .

currently skiing on - I’ve been out on one of my old sets of skis for the last 4 days - my old Dynstar Glory’s (84 waist). They’re ok but not great and I think now they’re too long for me (I’m 5’2” or 157cm and the skis are 156cm) and they’re not as easy to turn as I could do with. I’m going to try my Blizzard Black Pearl 88s tomorrow in 152cm length and see how I fare with them. I’m too nervous to ski as aggressively and fast as I used to and my limited right leg function means I need to ski “steadily, especially as I’m coming up to 64 and the surgeon’s expectation is my right knee will deteriorate significantly over next few years till I need a total knee replacement.

So my question - should I try a complete lightweight on piste ski at 148 or 153cm? Something like a Head Joy? Or any other recommendations. Thanks I’m advance for any suggestions.

Wow, I just read this post and am familiar with that type of injury. I am in awe of your strength. You are an inspiration for those who want to give up. Best of luck.

 

[cortenaz123]

Thanks for everyone’s comments and advice. When I came back to France for season part two (March to April) I went and rented some skis from our local ski shop. Having explained my issues the ski tech gave me a pair of dynastar legends but from some years back (74 waist). Actually I found these much easier to ski on than my Dynastar Glory 84 or BBP 88. So after a few days I had more confidence in my turns and skiing was getting fun again. However these skis are no longer available to buy even used and the ones I rented were in poor condition. The rental shop said they had nothing else suitable for me so off I went to another shop. Here I was suggested the Rossignol Nova 8 in 149 length. I was sceptical and nervous going out the next day but they ski like a dream for me. On blues and reds I can pretty much ski how I used to pre accident but a bit slower. My confidence has shot up. I was so pleased I went and bought them!

 

[skibum4ever]

I just read some reviews of the Rossignol Nova 8. Though my "current" narrow ski is 90 underfoot, I will certainly be looking for something narrower, lighter, and with a shorter turn radius when (if!) I return to skiing.

That sounds like a ski to put on my short list.