Non-motorized vehicles and walkers: going for “broke”

Many emergency department visits are for trauma resulting from mishaps while using wheeled sports equipment. While these injuries among children and adolescents are common, much of the variation in injury frequency and severity depends on the age of the child and protective equipment used. This article will discuss injuries related to baby walkers as well as various wheeled sporting equipment, including bicycles, tricycles, scooters, skateboards, and in-line skates. Information about risks and types of common injuries will aid the physician in case management. Descriptive information about the circumstances of injury and types of protective equipment will guide injury prevention counseling.