Wheels-in-line roller skating injuries

Injuries sustained by patients using wheels-in-line roller skates were reviewed in a survey of 57 cases collected by the Roosevelt Hospital Hand Service and 444 cases compiled by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Most patients were novice skaters in the second and third decades of life. Severe distal radius fractures and upper extremity soft-tissue trauma were the most common injuries in both groups. The distal radius (44.9%), scaphoid (13.9%), and radial head (10.4%) were the three most common fracture sites in the Roosevelt survey. Most (80%) skaters in this group did not wear protective equipment. In-line roller skating can and does produce disabling injuries. Also, several deaths were reported among skaters traveling in heavy traffic. To reduce the number of injuries, all skaters should wear protective gear, especially wrist and elbow pads. Splints reduce but do not eliminate the potential for trauma. In our study most injured skaters had not mastered controlled skating and stopping techniques. This new recreational sport is increasing in popularity and more injuries are expected if skaters fail to protect themselves properly.