BOLZANO – Bruno Andrea Pesucci, 69 years old, head of maxillofacial surgery at San Camillo, professor at Sapienza and Unicamillus University.
Professor Pesucci, what could have happened to the skier Matilde Lorenzi? Doesn’t the helmet protect against this type of fall?
«The helmet evidently did not provide sufficient protection. And unfortunately there are no effective devices in speed sports other than full-face motorcycle helmets.”
Lorenzi underwent surgery for craniofacial trauma: what does it involve?
«The important thing is always to allow little time to pass between the trauma and transport to hospital. In the case of complex traumas, intervention and recovery times are significantly longer.”
Was it possible to do more from a safety point of view?
«Craniofacial trauma also occurs when the head is directly protected by a helmet, but the impact on the face is so violent that it also affects the cranial region, including the brain. We will never reach full safety in skiing. Athletes need to have one hundred percent vision at all times. The helmet itself must avoid head trauma: there are no better devices.”
What advice can we give to those who would like to take fewer risks?
«In general, for traumas there are no ways to be safe. It’s impossible to tell a professional skier to go slowly or a rugby player to avoid the melee. The rules must be changed. In boxing, the materials and rules have changed, with boxers finally counted even on their feet.”
Have you ever operated on a patient for a similar skiing accident?
«I have been working for forty years in the hospital where the most traumatology is performed in all of Rome. I have never operated on a skier. In football, basketball and rugby, hits that cause facial injuries are more frequent. In skiing, facial injuries are rare. It is usually the limbs, especially the lower ones, that are exposed to fractures and bruises.”
He has extensive experience in sports.
«I treated Dzeko, Karsdorp, Manolas, Florenzi at Villa Stuart».
Is there anything that can be done to try to avoid serious accidents like this?
«In all disciplines we have reached such speeds that prevention is simply impossible. In sport, performance is a necessity that often comes at the expense of safety. A problem that is to some extent manageable but unavoidable.”
Will it be possible to introduce improved systems in the future?
«Sometimes technology amazes us. I think of the Formula 1 Halo-cage, apparently annoying but actually very comfortable.”
#Matilde #Lorenzi #accident #doctors #opinion #helmet #doesnt #protect
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Given the severity of Matilde Lorenzi’s injuries despite wearing a helmet, how can helmet technology be improved to better protect skiers from craniofacial trauma in high-speed falls?
## Interview: The Price of Speed? Exploring Skiing Safety in Light of Matilde Lorenzi’s Accident
**Introduction:**
Welcome to World Today News. Today we’re discussing the recent skiing accident of Matilde Lorenzi, a professional athlete who suffered serious craniofacial trauma despite wearing a helmet. To help us understand the complexities of this incident and the broader issue of safety in high-speed sports, we have two esteemed guests joining us:
* **Professor Bruno Andrea Pesucci, Head of Maxillofacial Surgery at San Camillo Hospital in Bolzano,** and a leading expert on sports-related injuries.
* **[Name], a former professional skier and current sports commentator**, who can offer a unique insight into the realities of the sport.
**Section 1: The Limits of Helmet Protection**
* **Professor Pesucci, Matilde Lorenzi’s accident raises an important question: how effective are helmets in protecting skiers, especially in high-speed falls? Can you elaborate on your statement that “the helmet did not provide sufficient protection”?**
* **[Former skier], as someone who has experienced the speed and forces involved in skiing, what are your thoughts on helmet technology and its effectiveness in preventing serious head injuries? Do you think helmets give skiers a false sense of security?**
**Section 2: The Complexities of Craniofacial Trauma**
* **Professor Pesucci, you mentioned that even with a helmet, the impact on the face can be so violent that it affects the cranial region. Can you explain the nature of craniofacial trauma and the specific challenges it presents for treatment?**
* **We know that Matilde Lorenzi underwent surgery. Can you tell us more about the complexities of this type of surgery and the potential long-term implications for the patient?**
**Section 3: Balancing Performance and Safety in High-Speed Sports**
* **Professor Pesucci, you spoke about the inherent tension between performance and safety in sports. How should we approach this dilemma in skiing and other high-speed disciplines? Are there any regulations or technological advancements that could help mitigate the risks without sacrificing the competitive spirit?**
* **[Former skier], from your experience, what are some of the biggest challenges in incentivizing safety measures within the skiing community? How can we encourage athletes to prioritize safety without compromising their competitive drive?**
**Section 4: Looking to the Future: Technological Solutions and Ethical Considerations?**
* **Professor Pesucci, you mentioned the Formula 1 Halo-cage as an example of technological innovation that has improved safety. Do you think similar advancements could be made in skiing equipment to better protect athletes’ heads and faces? What are some potential solutions you envision?**
* **Both of our guests, are there any ethical dilemmas or trade-offs we need to consider when exploring new safety measures in sports? What responsibilities do athletes, organizations, and governing bodies have in ensuring the well-being of participants?**
**Conclusion:**
Thank you to Professor Pesucci and [Former skier] for sharing their invaluable insights on this important topic.
Matilde Lorenzi’s accident serves as a stark reminder of the inherent risks in high-speed sports. While we celebrate the thrill and athleticism of these disciplines, it is crucial to prioritize safety through ongoing research, technological innovation, and a collective commitment to athlete well-being.
**Note:**
This interview outline is designed to foster a thoughtful and in-depth discussion about skiing safety. Remember to allow for pauses and follow-up questions based on the guests’ responses, ensuring a dynamic and informative conversation.
