Rollerblading and skateboarding injuries in children in northeast England

Objectives-To establish the demographic profile and injury characteristics of children presenting with rollerblading or skateboarding associated injur ies. This study also examines the circumstances leading to these injuries w ith a view to suggesting preventive measures. Methods-A prospective study using a proforma to collect data from each chil d presenting with rollerblading or skateboarding related injuries. Injury d etails were obtained from clinical and radiological records. The injury sev erity score (ISS) was calculated for each child and statistical analysis wa s done using chi(2). Results-Eighty one children presented with rollerblading associated injurie s accounting for 7% of childhood injuries seen during the eight month study period. The mean age was 10.3 years and sex distribution was equal. Soft t issue injuries accounted for 51% and fractures for 49% of the injuries. Wri st fractures alone accounted for 86% of all fractures seen. Seventy per cen t of soft tissue injuries involved the upper limb. The overall mean ISS was 3.0 with a range from 1 to 9. injury was attributed to fall secondary to l oss of control or collision with an obstacle while rollerblading in the maj ority of children. Injury occurred while rollerblading in residential or pu blic places in 99% of the children. In contrast skateboarding related injur ies were much rarer and caused soft tissue injuries only. Conclusion-This study has revealed a higher incidence of rollerblading inju ries than previously suspected. Effective management strategies should incl ude not only the treatment of these injuries but also attention to their ca uses and prevention.