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Heelys injuries in children
1Department of Paediatric Orthopaedics, KK Women's and Children's Hospital, Singapore. derrickoh@ttsh.com.sg
Singapore Medical Journal
|April 29, 2006
Summary
Heelys (shoes with wheels) can cause serious injuries, particularly to the upper limbs, in children. Safety gear usage was nonexistent among injured children, highlighting a critical need for education.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Orthopaedics
- Sports Medicine
- Injury Prevention
Background:
- Heelys, popular wheeled shoes among children in Singapore, pose significant injury risks.
- Cheap imitations and lack of safety precautions contribute to widespread use and potential harm.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the incidence and types of injuries associated with Heelys use in children.
- To assess the role of safety equipment in Heelys-related injuries.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 37 pediatric patients treated for Heelys injuries over seven months (February-August 2004).
- Data collection included clinical records, radiographs, and interviews with patients/parents.
- Injury mechanism and safety equipment usage were specifically queried.
Main Results:
- Upper limb injuries were the most frequent, with distal radius fractures and elbow injuries being predominant.
- No children involved in the study reported using any form of safety gear.
- Injuries occurred despite the relatively low speeds associated with Heelys use.
Conclusions:
- Heelys use can result in severe injuries, emphasizing the need for parental and child education.
- Mandatory use of safety equipment (helmets, pads) is recommended to mitigate Heelys-related injuries.
- Further research into Heelys injury patterns and prevention strategies is warranted.