In-line skating is an increasingly popular recreational activity for both c
hildren and adults. As with any highspeed sport, traumatic injury is an ass
ociated hazard. It was the purpose of this study to focus on the injuries i
n children associated specifically with in-line skating with an emphasis on
education and prevention. During a 9-year period, 331 injuries were identi
fied, with 105 families completing an in-depth epidemiologic questionnaire.
Sixty-one percent of the victims were boys, with an overall average age of
12 years. The upper extremity was most commonly injured (64%); the head an
d neck area was injured in 16% and the lower extremity in 20%. Fractures re
presented 38% of all injuries, with inexperience appearing to be the most c
ommon cause. An analysis of preventive strategies for childhood in-line ska
ting was undertaken using Haddon's 10 basic preventive principles. Educatio
nal programs regarding instruction in in-line skating and the value of prot
ective equipment need to be part of the school curriculum.