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Wheels-in-line roller skating injuries
1Department of Surgery, C.V. Starr Hand Surgery Center, St. Luke's/Roosevelt Hospital Center, Columbia College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, New York.
The Journal of Trauma
|December 1, 1993
Summary
In-line skating often leads to severe injuries, particularly distal radius fractures, especially among novice skaters. Wearing protective gear like wrist and elbow pads is crucial to prevent these common, disabling injuries.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Sports Medicine
- Public Health
Background:
- In-line skating is a growing recreational activity with a rising incidence of associated injuries.
- Previous studies have indicated a significant risk of trauma, particularly to the upper extremities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the types and patterns of injuries sustained by in-line roller skaters.
- To identify risk factors and recommend preventive measures for in-line skating injuries.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective review of 57 in-line skating injuries from the Roosevelt Hospital Hand Service.
- Analysis of 444 in-line skating injury cases compiled by the Consumer Product Safety Commission.
- Demographic and injury data were collected and analyzed for both cohorts.
Main Results:
- The most common injuries were severe distal radius fractures and upper extremity soft-tissue trauma.
- The primary fracture sites were the distal radius (44.9%), scaphoid (13.9%), and radial head (10.4%).
- A high percentage of injured skaters (80% in one group) were novices who did not wear protective equipment.
Conclusions:
- In-line skating poses a significant risk of disabling injuries, including fractures and trauma.
- Lack of protective gear and inadequate skating skills are major contributing factors to injuries.
- Universal use of protective equipment, especially wrist and elbow pads, is strongly recommended to mitigate injury risk.