Heelys injuries: a review of the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System data

The purpose of this study was to describe the types and severity of Heelys-related injuries reported to the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS). Strategies for prevention of these injuries may be developed using this information.

We performed a retrospective analysis of the NEISS data of the US Consumer Safety Product Commission between 2002 and 2006.

The NEISS had 131 reported Heelys injuries in children. The mean age was 10.02 years. The upper extremity was most commonly injured, accounting for 75 (57.3%) of the 131 injuries. Fractures were the most common injuries, accounting for 66 (50.4%) of the 131 injuries. Children younger than 12 years were more likely to sustain fractures than their older counterparts (P = 0.001). Children 12 years or older were more likely to sustain sprains than the younger children (P ≤ 0.001). There was no difference in injury patterns between the sexes (P = not significant). Six children required hospital admission. There was 1 reported death.

Most injuries sustained from Heelys use are orthopedic injuries. However, a wide variety of other injuries occur with Heelys use. Children can sustain injuries serious enough to require hospital admission. Parents and children should be educated about the importance of protective gear use while "heeling."