Skateboarding, while popular, poses risks. The CDC states that it leads to 50,000 US emergency department visits annually. Most injuries affect lower extremities (54.4%), per a 2008 PubMed Central study. Wrist injuries and head/neck trauma make up 18% and 22.2% of injuries respectively, as reported in a 2019 Sage Journals study.
Helmet use decreases severe injury risk, yet only 15% of injured skaters wore helmets, as per a 2012 NCBI publication. Adults 25 or older are hospitalized 2-3 days longer due to more severe wounds, including fractures (47% of cases), according to a 2005 ResearchGate paper.
Most injured skaters (88%) are male with 39% of incidents in public spaces, as per a 2009 ScienceDirect report. A 2002 Pubmed study attributes 62% of accidents to balance loss. Fractures are common in victims under 18 (70%), while sprains and strains are more common in older skaters, per UW Medicine Health Library's 2017 findings.
A 2007 review article notes an injury rate of 12.08 per 1000 hours. Beginners (32%) often get hurt due to inexperience, with 85% of injuries affecting upper limbs, followed by head/neck (33%) and lower extremities (19%), according to a 2018 study. Professional athletes are 5.5 times more likely to get injured than amateurs, as noted by an August 2005 article from the American College of Sports Medicine.
Skateboarding Injury Statistics Overview
The annual rate of skateboard-related injuries per 10,000 skateboarders is 1,937.
This statistic serves as a stark reminder of the potential risks associated with skateboarding. It highlights the fact that, despite the thrill and excitement of the sport, it is not without its dangers. With 1,937 skateboard-related injuries per 10,000 skateboarders, it is clear that skateboarding can be a hazardous activity and that safety should be taken seriously.
Helmet use significantly decreases the rate of severe injury risk, making it 3 times less likely.
The statistic on helmet use is a powerful reminder of the importance of safety when it comes to skateboarding. Wearing a helmet can drastically reduce the risk of severe injury, making it three times less likely. This is a crucial piece of information for anyone who is considering taking up skateboarding, as it highlights the importance of taking the necessary precautions to protect oneself.
Fractures are the most common injury in skateboarding, accounting for 47% of cases.
This statistic is a stark reminder of the potential risks associated with skateboarding. It highlights the importance of taking the necessary safety precautions when engaging in the sport, as fractures can have long-term consequences.
Athlete's ability level (proficiency) plays an important role in the incidents and severity of the injuries.
The proficiency of an athlete is a key factor in determining the likelihood and severity of skateboarding injuries. As an athlete's skill level increases, they are more likely to attempt more difficult tricks and maneuvers, which can lead to more serious injuries if not executed properly. Furthermore, athletes with higher levels of proficiency are more likely to push their limits, which can also increase the risk of injury. Therefore, athlete's ability level is an important factor to consider when discussing skateboarding injury statistics.
84% of skateboard injuries are classified as new injuries, and 16% are recurrent injuries.
This statistic is a crucial indicator of the prevalence of skateboarding injuries, as it reveals that the majority of injuries sustained by skateboarders are new and not the result of previous injuries. This highlights the importance of taking safety precautions when skateboarding, as the risk of sustaining a new injury is high.
About 70% of all skateboard injuries happen to those under 18.
This statistic is a stark reminder that skateboarding is a potentially dangerous activity, particularly for those under 18. It highlights the importance of taking safety precautions when skateboarding, such as wearing protective gear and following safety guidelines. It also serves as a warning to parents and guardians to be aware of the risks associated with skateboarding and to ensure that their children are properly supervised when skateboarding.
The most common type of injury in children under 10 is usually a fracture, whereas sprains and strains in older children are more common injuries.
This statistic is important to consider when discussing skateboarding injury statistics, as it provides insight into the types of injuries that are most likely to occur in different age groups. Knowing this information can help parents and skateboarders alike to better prepare for and prevent potential injuries.
The overall injury rate for skateboarding is 12.08 injuries per 1,000 hours of exposure.
This statistic is a crucial indicator of the potential risks associated with skateboarding. It provides a clear indication of the likelihood of sustaining an injury while skateboarding, and serves as a warning to those considering taking up the sport. By understanding the injury rate, skateboarders can make informed decisions about their safety and take the necessary precautions to reduce their risk of injury.
About 67% of injured skateboarders wear no protective gear (such as helmets, elbow pads, etc.) during the injury.
This statistic is a stark reminder of the importance of wearing protective gear when skateboarding. It highlights the fact that a majority of skateboarders are not taking the necessary precautions to protect themselves from injury, which can have serious consequences. It serves as a warning to all skateboarders to take the necessary steps to ensure their safety while enjoying the sport.
32% of skateboarding head injuries are suffered by beginners.
This statistic is a stark reminder of the importance of proper safety precautions when skateboarding, particularly for beginners. It highlights the need for those new to the sport to take extra care and ensure they are properly equipped with the right protective gear and have a good understanding of the risks involved. It also serves as a warning to experienced skateboarders to be mindful of the potential dangers and to help beginners learn the basics of the sport in a safe and responsible manner.
The majority (85%) of skateboard-related injuries involve the upper extremities, followed by head/neck (33%), and lower extremities (19%).
This statistic is a powerful reminder of the importance of protecting the upper extremities when skateboarding. It highlights the fact that the majority of skateboard-related injuries occur in the upper extremities, and that the head/neck and lower extremities are also vulnerable to injury. This information is essential for skateboarders to be aware of, as it can help them take the necessary precautions to reduce their risk of injury.
Conclusion
Skateboarding is a popular activity, but it can also be dangerous. The statistics show that skateboard-related injuries are common and often involve the upper extremities, head/neck region, or lower extremities. Wrist injuries account for 18% of all skateboarding-related injuries while fractures make up 47%.
Adults 25 years or older tend to stay hospitalized longer than younger patients due to their increased risk of severe injury when not wearing protective gear such as helmets. Professional skateboarders are 5.5 times more likely to be injured compared to amateur skaters and beginners have an especially high rate of head injury at 32%. Skateboarders should take precautions by wearing appropriate safety equipment in order to reduce the likelihood of serious injury from this sport.
References
0. - https://www.www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
1. - https://www.pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
2. - https://www.www.cbsnews.com
3. - https://www.www.iii.org
4. - https://www.www.researchgate.net
5. - https://www.www.uwmedicine.org
6. - https://www.consumer.healthday.com
7. - https://www.injuryprevention.bmj.com
