Skatepark injuries and the influence of skatepark design: a one year consecutive case series

J Emerg Med. 2002 Oct;23(3):269-74. doi: 10.1016/s0736-4679(02)00528-0.

Abstract

Skateboarding and in-line skating are popular activities that attract millions of participants yearly and have spawned the development of skateparks (SPs). This study examined the types and distribution of injuries within a local commercial SP. Subjects were prospectively enrolled in a university Emergency Department (ED) after an injury at a local SP. One hundred subjects were enrolled over 1 year, representing 102 episodes and 106 injuries. Musculoskeletal injuries accounted for 80% of all injuries. Fractures and dislocations were the most frequent injuries (59%); six required operative management. One serious intra-abdominal injury occurred. Head and facial injuries occurred in 17% of subjects; none required operative repair. Admission rate was 9%. Safety equipment use was greater than 91%. Significantly more injuries occurred in the ramp/bars areas compared to the half-pipe and gully areas, suggesting that SP design may significantly influence injury patterns. A substantial number of injuries occurred at the SP, despite controlled conditions and equipment requirements.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Child
  • Craniocerebral Trauma / epidemiology
  • Emergency Service, Hospital / statistics & numerical data
  • Facial Injuries / epidemiology
  • Facility Design and Construction*
  • Female
  • Fractures, Bone / classification
  • Fractures, Bone / epidemiology
  • Hospitals, University
  • Humans
  • Joint Dislocations / epidemiology
  • Lower Extremity / injuries
  • Male
  • Musculoskeletal System / injuries*
  • Prospective Studies
  • Protective Devices / statistics & numerical data
  • Skating / classification
  • Skating / injuries*
  • Sports Equipment / statistics & numerical data
  • Tooth Injuries / epidemiology
  • Upper Extremity / injuries