Position Statement

Injuries from In-Line Skating

This Position Statement was developed as an educational tool based on the opinion of the authors. It is not a product of a systematic review. Readers are encouraged to consider the information presented and reach their own conclusions.

The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) 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.

Millions of Americans participate in the sport of in-line skating, which combines features of 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.

Hospitals, clinics, ambulatory surgery centers and doctors’ offices reported 114,574 in-line skating injuries in 2003. These injuries included fractures and dislocations to the ankle and wrist, as well as injuries to the head. Although head injuries were relatively less common, they can be life threatening, very expensive and cause long-term disability. The estimated yearly cost of medical treatment due to in-line skating injuries is $185 million. This does not include bruises and scrapes that were never seen or treated.

To reduce the risk of serious injury, the AAOS 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.
• Always wear protective gear, including a helmet, wrist protectors and knee/elbow pads, before putting on your skates.
• Perform warm-up exercises before and cool-down exercises after skating.
• Obey traffic signals. It is important to stay at the right side of the road and don't weave in and out of lanes.
• Avoid skating in crowded walkways or on irregular/broken streets and sidewalks.

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, as it 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. Revised June 2005 American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons

This material may not be modified without the express written permission of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons^®.

Position Statement 1127

For additional information, contact the Public Education and Media Relations Department at 847-384-4031.