Injuries from In-Line Skating

The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons believes that the public should be informed of the dangers and injuries that can occur in the recreational sport called in-line skating and strongly urges proper precautions to prevent and minimize those injuries.

More than 12 million Americans have taken up the new sport of in-line skating, which combines roller skating with ice skating by aligning rollers in the shape of a single blade. In-line skaters may easily reach speeds of more than 25 mph. Whether skating fast or standing still, many in-line skaters have sustained injuries that are preventable.

The number of injuries due to in-line skating is rapidly increasing. Hospital emergency rooms reported 75,922 in-line skating injuries in 1994. More than 40% of these injuries were a fracture or dislocation, 24% were injuries of the wrist, and 5% were injuries of the head. Although head injuries are relatively less common, they can be life threatening, very expensive, and cause long-term disability. The estimated yearly cost of emergency room treatment due to in-line skating injuries is $346 million. This does not include injuries treated in physicians' offices or bruises and scrapes that were never seen or treated.

To reduce the risk of serious injury, the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons strongly urges in-line skaters to follow these safety measures:

• learn the basic skills of the sport particularly how to stop properly, before venturing into vehicular or pedestrian traffic
• wear a helmet, wrist protectors, and knee and elbow pads
• always put on protective gear before putting on your skates
• perform warm-up exercises before and after skating
• obey traffic signals, stay at the right side of the road and don't weave in and out of lanes
• avoid skating in crowded walkways

Skate boots must fit properly to avoid irritation. The following tips should be considered.

• Don't buy boots that put too much pressure on any area of your foot; the pressure can cause blisters.
• Choose the boot size at the end of the day or after training, when feet will be at their largest.
• When selecting the size of the boot, wear the same type of sock that will be worn when skating.
• Kick both feet into the back of the boots before buckling and skating.
• Be certain the heel doesn't move up and down in the boot during skating.

© February 1995 American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
This material may not be modified without the express written permission of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.

Document Number: 1127

For additional information, contact Alvin Nagelberg at (847) 384-4138 or email nagelberg@mac.aaos.org