Comparison between in-line and rollerskating injury - A prospective study

Rollerskating is an activity that has become increasingly popular over the past several years among children and adults in Denmark, During a 7-month p eriod in 1997, 300 in-line skaters and 107 roller skaters were treated in t he Emergency Department, Esbjerg County Hospital. Of these, 60.4% had minor injuries (sprains, bruises, lacerations) and 39.6% fractures. There was no statistical significant difference in the types of injury between skater g roups. The most common serious injury was fracture of the wrist, which occu rred in both skater groups (25%, n=102), Almost all of the fractures of the wrist and elbow occurred among skaters who did not wear wrist or elbow gua rds. Only 20% of the skaters used protective equipment. In-line skaters use d protective equipment more often than did roller skaters. Of all accidents , 69% occurred on public roads (street and sidewalk).