[Unpowered scooter injuries].
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.
Brudvik
Christina
C
Institutt for kirurgiske fag, Universitetet i Bergen, Bergen Legevakt, Postboks 4500, 5838 Bergen. christina.brudvik@kir.uib.no
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