SUMMER IS HERE: WATCH OUT FOR SKATING AND SKATEBOARD ACCIDENTS!
A Warning from Orthopaedics and Traumatology Specialist Prof. Dr. Levent Altınel
"TAKE YOUR CHILDREN'S FALLS SERIOUSLY!"
Before we knew it, school reports were handed out and the holidays began. As millions of children set off into days of fun after a busy winter, there are also dangers waiting for them. Parents who buy their children roller skates, skateboards or bicycles as end-of-term presents in particular face certain risks, because accidents from falls in childhood can have serious consequences. Stressing that fall-related injuries in children must be taken seriously, Prof. Dr. Levent Altınel said: "With the start of the summer holidays, cases of falls and knocks in children increase. Parents should always see a specialist for injuries their children suffer, especially after a fall."
Roller skating is both a hobby and a sport. Interest in roller skates, which appeal to people of all ages, has increased further among children and young people, especially now that summer has arrived. However, along with this interest there is a huge rise in skating, skateboard and cycling accidents, because however enjoyable and healthy skating is, it can cause serious injuries when done carelessly. Research shows that the number of children injured in falls from skates and skateboards, their summer favourites, is rising; the same research found that one in every five people injured in sports accidents had fallen while skating or skateboarding.
Watch out for fractures after skating, skateboard and bicycle falls!
Orthopaedics and traumatology specialist Prof. Dr. Levent Altınel points out that fractures from falls and knocks in children increase especially in the summer months and stresses that fractures resulting from accidents in children must be taken seriously. Prof. Dr. Levent Altınel advises parents who buy their children skates to be careful, noting that children's bones differ from adult bones and their fractures therefore have different features. Prof. Dr. Levent Altınel: "Because skating accidents mostly happen by falling face-forward, the elbows, the area below the elbow and especially the wrists are most often injured. Fractures of the wrist, arm, forearm, collarbone and ankle are also examples of fractures commonly seen in children."
Noting that the treatment of fractures in children varies according to the type of fracture and the child's age, Prof. Dr. Levent Altınel underlines that fracture treatment in children usually lasts 3–5 weeks. Altınel: "If there is swelling, bruising and restricted movement in the area affected by a fall or knock, an orthopaedic specialist must always be seen. In fractures in children after such accidents, the broken pieces often do not separate because the periosteum (bone covering) is thick, and sometimes the fracture may not be noticed on X-rays. Untreated or missed dislocations and fractures can later cause loss of function and malunion in children. Sometimes the fracture extends into the growth centre of the bone, or fractures directly or indirectly affect the growth centre, which can later lead to growth arrest and resulting deformity and length difference."
So what should be done?
Prof. Dr. Altınel also gives advice on how children can enjoy their summer favourites – skating, skateboarding and cycling – without getting hurt: "In these kinds of falls, the protective reflex means that fractures occur not in the legs but in the arms and elbows, and especially the wrists. The only way to prevent such unwanted situations is to take the necessary safety measures. First, protective equipment such as wrist guards, helmets, knee pads and elbow pads must definitely be used, so that falls do not cause unwanted injuries. Another important point is choosing suitable places to ride: if possible these should be closed to traffic, or at least areas without heavy traffic. In addition, activities that distract you and impair your control, such as listening to music on headphones, must definitely be avoided."
Stating that rather than stopping children's fun, their sporting wishes should be supported by taking protective measures, Prof. Dr. Levent Altınel says: "Accidents can happen in our lives at any moment. Instead of holding children back, our main duty as parents is to teach them how to do sport, the techniques and the points to watch out for, and to make sure they wear the necessary protective equipment. If an unwanted accident still happens despite all this, the right thing to do is to see a specialist doctor without delay."
The information on this page is for general information only and does not replace an examination and diagnosis.