Surge in Scooter-Related Injuries

For Immediate Release

For more information, contact: Todd Schuetz(847) 384-4032 [email protected]Joanne L. Swanson(847) 384-4035 [email protected]A.J. Wright(847) 384-4034 [email protected]

Orthopaedic surgeons report surge in scooter-related injuries

ROSEMONT, Ill.--Scooter injuries will skyrocket this spring as school gets out and children venture outside. With the popularity and affordability of the new scooters, parents need to be aware of the risks associated with them.

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, last year more than 40,000 injuries related to scooters were treated at hospital emergency rooms. In one month alone, the nearly 8,600 scooter injuries surpassed inline skating injuries.

Most injuries were caused when riders fell from the scooter. Fractures and dislocations accounted for 29 percent of the injuries and 85 percent of the injuries were to children less than 15 years old. The majority of the fractures and dislocations involved the upper extremity.

To bring greater awareness to this problem and offer guidelines on reducing injuries, the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons has launched Prevent Injuries America!, a national public education campaign.

Scooter-related injuries can be reduced by following these safety tips:

* Wear protective gear including a helmet, wrist protectors, knee and elbow pads* Wear sturdy shoes. Never wear bare sandals or flimsy footwear* Children under the age of 8 should not operate a scooter* Be familiar with the steering, handling and brake system. Practice riding on a closed protected area* Avoid steep hills, slippery/uneven surfaces and crowded walkways/streets* Obey traffic signs and never operate the scooter at night

"Protecting children from injury is a number one priority of orthopaedic surgeons," said John Purvis, MD, pediatric orthopaedic surgeon. Prevent Injuries America! is an important first step in helping people lead healthier lifestyles now and in the future." For more information about the Prevent Injuries America! campaign, visit the Academy's web site at www.aaos.org.

An orthopaedic surgeon is a medical doctor with extensive training in the diagnosis and nonsurgical as well as surgical treatment of the musculoskeletal system, including bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, muscles and nerves.

The 25,500-member American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons is a not-for-profit organization that provides education programs for orthopaedic surgeons, allied health professionals and the public, and is an advocate for improved patient care.

An advocate for improved patient care, the Academy is participating in the Bone and Joint Decade (www.bonejointdecade.org), the global initiative in the years 2000-2010 to raise awareness of musculoskeletal health, stimulate research and improve people's quality of life.

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