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 period in 1997, 300 in-line skaters and 107 roller skaters were treated in the 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 groups. The most common serious injury was fracture of the wrist, which occurred 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 guards Only 20% of the skaters used protective equipment. In-line skaters used protective equipment more often than did roller skaters. Of all accidents, 69% occurred on public roads (street and sidewalk).