eLetters to:

ELECTRONIC ARTICLE: Deborah A. Levine, Shari L. Platt, and George L. Foltin Scooter Injuries in Children Pediatrics 2001; 107: e64 [Abstract] [Full text] [PDF]

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eLetters published:

Upper extremity fractures in Scooter users, reducible?

James P Bien   (22 May 2001)

In reply:

Deborah A Levine, "Shari L Platt, George L Foltin"   (4 June 2001)

Upper extremity fractures in Scooter users, reducible? 22 May 2001
James P Bien, Pediatrician Arnett Clinic Send letter to journal: Re: Upper extremity fractures in Scooter users, reducible? bienj{at}arnett.com James P Bien	I read with interest the recent article by Drs. Levine, Platt and Foltin. We, too, in Central Indiana, have been seening an increase in injuries related to non-motorized scooter use. It has been difficult to effectively encourage the use of protective gear in scooter riders. The perception that the equipment is unnecessary and, most importantly, uncool, limits the general use of helmets, wrist, elbow and knee pads. Information presented by Dr. Levine et al will add to the literature confirming that this popular sport may indeed be made safer by the use of such equipment. I noted however, although this paper found 4 of 6 fractures involved the upper extremity (3 of 6 involving the forearm), and that their conclusions encourage the use of wrist guards, the photo published with the article shows a young child not wearing this potentially important item. Perhaps the rider has found what many of my patients suggest, that it is difficult to operate scooters while wearing conventional wrist guards. Despite the data showing benefit from wrist guards in minimizing injury from inline skating accidents, this benefit may not be applicable to children riding scooters. Children wearing wrist guards may have limited control of their scooters due to reduced wrist and hand mobility. This may place them at increased risk for an accidental fall. I agree with Dr Levine et al that 'responsible marketing by manufactures and vendors of scooters should be encouraged' but would add that the development of wrist guards allowing for safe operation of scooters may also need to be encouraged. Regards, James P. Bien, MD
In reply: 4 June 2001
Deborah A Levine, Pediatric Emergency Medicine NYU School of Medicine/Bellevue Hospital Center, N.Y. N.Y., "Shari L Platt, George L Foltin" Send letter to journal: Re: In reply: MLevine336{at}aol.com Deborah A Levine, et al.	We appreciate the thoughtful comments by Dr. Bien. The incidence of scooter-related injuries continue to rise. In March 2001, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reported 8,130. These statistics approximate those from last September when record numbers of injuries were reported. Since the summer of 2000 four children have died while riding scooters.(1) The need for consumer education is imperative inorder to reduce the injuries associated with scooter riding, especially in young children. Anticipatory guidance by pediatricians as well as responsible marketing by manufacturers and retailers will hopefully continue to impact on the public. Dr. Bien's comment on wrist guards and scooter riding deserves mention. Traditional wrist guards used for inline skating are not appropriate for scooter riding. Wrist guards may limit the rider's ability to grip the handlebars and steer the scooter. Until styles are manufactured specifically for scooter riding, the use of wrist guards is not recommended. The benefits of knee and elbow protection, as well as helmet use, is significant and should be advocated. (1) Consumer Product Safety Commission. Scooter Information. Available at: http://www.cpsc.gov/pr/prscoot.html. Accessioned May 31,2001.