[Limb injuries at the Aerodium hover sport facility in Eilat].

The Aerodium hover sport facility in Eilat has been in operation for the past 4 years and 33 patients have been treated for injuries caused by falls while hovering. The Aerodium is a new sport facility in Israel, similar to others in the US and Switzerland. It includes a 4-meter-wide wind tunnel with air pushed vertically upwards toward its center. Air flow velocity is adjustable and ranges between 120 and 140 km/hr, with a maximum of approximately 180 km/hr. Participants wear special suits and jump into the center of the column of air to hover. The hover suits are very wide, and puff up like a balloon; the sleeves and leggings have vents through which air escapes. Participants hover with their arms spread out and their legs slightly spread apart. The inexperienced hover at a height about 2 m. and the more experienced at heights of up to 5 m. During falls the person hovering lands on air mattresses surrounding the air column. Failure to follow rules and procedures, usually while changing limb position during hovering, can unbalance the inexperienced participant and lead to uncontrolled spins and falls.