Lower extremity injuries in in-line skaters: a report of two cases

In-line skating has become a very popular sport over the past several years. Previous studies examining the injuries associated with this sport have emphasized the incidence upper extremity injuries. Two cases are described in which patients suffered severe lower extremity injuries while in-line skating: one had a femoral shaft spiral fracture and the other bilateral anterior cruciate ligament and medial collateral ligament injuries. Although a predominance of upper extremity injuries associated with this sport has been widely noted, increased numbers of participants, higher speeds and changing skate designs may further predispose skaters to leg, knee and ankle injuries.