In-line skating injuries in children: a 10-year review

In-line skating is an increasingly popular recreational activity for both children and adults. As with any high-speed sport, traumatic injury is an associated hazard. It was the purpose of this study to focus on the injuries in children associated specifically with in-line skating with an emphasis on education and prevention. During a 9-year period, 331 injuries were identified, with 105 families completing an in-depth epidemiologic questionnaire. Sixty-one percent of the victims were boys, with an overall average age of 12 years. The upper extremity was most commonly injured (64%); the head and neck area was injured in 16% and the lower extremity in 20%. Fractures represented 38% of all injuries, with inexperience appearing to be the most common cause. An analysis of preventive strategies for childhood in-line skating was undertaken using Haddon's 10 basic preventive principles. Educational programs regarding instruction in in-line skating and the value of protective equipment need to be part of the school curriculum.