IN-LINE SKATING - PATTERNS OF INJURY AND RISK GROUP

One hundred and eighty-two patients presented with 200 inline-skating injuries over a 30-month period. Of these, 14% were admitted to hospit al, 10% required operative treatment. Fractures (49%), contusions/lace rations (27%) and capsular/ligamentuous injuries (16%) were the most p revalent types of injury. Children had an even higher risk of sustaini ng fractures (62%). Falling on the extended arm caused 44% of all inju ries. Thirteen percent resulted from torque mechanisms of the leg, whe reas, direct trauma to elbow or knee (5% each) were uncommon injury me chanisms. Injuries of the elbow, forearm, wrist and hand accounted for 55.5% of all cases and 71% of all fractures. Head (13%), knee (9.5%) and ankle (9%) were other regions frequently involved. Protective equi pment was often used only for uninjured regions, whereas the injured r egions had most often been left unprotected.