[Roller skating accidents. Registration of roller skating injuries in two emergency departments]

Rising popularity of roller-skates in recent years has resulted in increasing numbers of accidents involving roller-skates. The subject of our study was a consecutive number of patients who were treated at the casualty departments of Svendborg and Middelfart hospitals, Denmark, between July 1997 and June 1998. A total number of 169 patients representing 179 injuries were registered. A high incidence of injuries was found among children of school age. Protective equipment was used, in 31% (n = 52) of cases, which shows an increase compared to previous studies in Denmark (1). Injuries of the distal antebrachium, wrist and metacarpals account for 45% of all injuries. Wrist guards protect the area but do not completely eliminate the risk of fractures and injuries. A larger usage of protective equipment will probably result in a decrease in the number of injuries, and therefore information about protective measures is essential.