[Roller skating accidents. 393 roller skating accidents treated at the casualty department of Odense Hospital during the period 1 January 1980 to 30 September 1988].

During recent years, the import of roller skates has increased markedly and, during the period 1.1.1980-30.9.1988, an increase has been observed in the number of roller skate accidents treated in the Casualty Department of Odense Hospital. These accidents are particularly frequent in early spring and involve children under the age of 15 years, in particular, with slight preponderance of girls. The typical mechanism of injury is a fall which the victim tries to mitigate with the hands and arms. Nearly 90% of all injuries were localized to the locomotor system and just under half of the patients sustained fractures, typically of the wrist. Over 8% of the injuries necessitated hospitalization. The great majority of accidents occurred in unorganized groups and not in clubs, in ordinary traffic and without the use of protective equipment. In a selected group of roller skaters, as in this investigation, no connection could be found between the type of roller skates, employment of protective equipment and the frequency of fractures. The actual risk in roller skating is not known but possible prophylactic measures are discussed and simple safety rules are recommended.