Abstract

This study retrospectively examines 186 patients treated for roller skatingrelated injuries. The average patient age was 25.3 years, with males comprising 44 and females 56 of the patients. Of the 202 injuries, there w ere 130 fractures and 72 soft tissue injuries. The majority of the injuries in volved the wrist (47 ), while the elbow ranked second (14 ) and the ankle third (10 ). All fractures of the tibiafibula and ankle involved a rotational mechanism, with 75 of ankle fractures involving the posterior malleolus. Ankle fractures accounted for 46 of all surgical cases. Although inexperienc ed skaters were involved in 77 of all accidents, experienced skaters injuries required surgery twice as often. Female roller skaters were more frequently injured, but males had three times more operations. Over 90 of the skaters wore no protection. Skaters who seldom participated in other sports had a higher probability of being injured earlier, especially on their first try. This study indicates that roller skating injuries are influenced by skating experience, surface texture, skate type and quality, and protective equipment. Verf.-Referat