Microscooter injuries in the paediatric population

Objectives: To illustrate the types of injuries seen by the accident and emergency department as a result of the use of non-motorized 'microscooters' in children, and to increase awareness of scooter-related triplane fractures of the ankle. Study design: A retrospective study conducted in an accident and emergency department of a district general hospital on all children who had a scooter-related limb injury over a 6-month period and were referred for orthopaedic review. Methods: The analysis involved a case note review. Information recorded included the injury sustained, protective equipment worn at the time of the accident and management by the orthopaedic team. Results: Scooter injuries accounted for 10 fractures in this period. There were three 'triplanar' injuries, which required operative fixation, and three injuries requiring manipulation under anaesthesia. No protective gear was worn by any of the patients. Conclusion: The popularity of microscooters seems to represent a significant risk of bony injury in the paediatric population. Medical personnel who manage acute paediatric trauma should be aware of scooter-related triplanar ankle injuries. European Journal of Emergency Medicine 11:148-150 (C) 2004 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.