title: [Unpowered scooter injuries].
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Injuries caused by the use of unpowered kick scooters in Bergen were registered after their introduction on the Norwegian market in 2000.
  
  
  METHODS
  In a prospective one-year registration we found 62 patients with 82 injuries in Bergen accident and emergency department.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Boys and girls were injured to the same extent; the age span was from 6 to 53 years, mean age 11. Most injuries occurred in September. Two thirds injured their arms/hands, one-sixth their head and one-sixth their legs/feet. Wounds accounted for 37 injuries, often in the face (n = 11) or knees (n = 12). Fractures occurred in 34 % (n = 28); one third needed reduction. Lower arm fractures were most numerous (n = 17), the Smith type with volar angulation occurring in almost half of these. Few had used safety equipment (n = 5).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Kick scooters cause fewer injuries than rollerblades and skateboards, but the use of wrist protection and helmet is still recommended. Kick scooters should not be used in traffic.
authors.affiliation: Institutt for kirurgiske fag, Universitetet i Bergen, Bergen Legevakt, Postboks 4500, 5838 Bergen. christina.brudvik@kir.uib.no
authors.forename: Christina
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Brudvik
mesh_terms: D000058:Accidental Falls; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001265:Athletic Injuries / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009664:Norway / Q000453:epidemiology; D011446:Prospective Studies; D014186:Transportation