Neurological injuries from skateboards in paediatric and adolescent populations: injury types and severity.

BACKGROUND: Skateboarding is a popular recreation among children and adolescents. Injuries that result in presentation to emergency departments are varied including head injuries. The study aims to assess the type and severity of neurological damage to the brain and spine in children from injuries incurred while using a skateboard.

METHODS: After obtaining Ethics approval, a retrospective case review was performed of all admissions to all Brisbane, Australia public hospital neurosurgery departments of children 18 years and less who experienced injuries to the brain and spine for the years 2010-2014.

RESULTS: There were 51 skateboard-related admissions over the study period of which 94% were male. The mean age was 14.3 years. The Injury Severity Score (ISS) ranged from 1 to 38 with a mean of 11.4. A total of 70.5% of the ISS scores fell within the minor or moderate categories and 29.5% fell within the serious and severe categories. There were no ISS scores in the critical category. A total of 16 skull vault fractures and 14 skull base fractures were recorded. There were 13 extradural haematomas of which five were evacuated by craniotomy and one of whom experienced hemiplegia. There was a spinal cord injury with paraplegia. A range of other neurological complications occurred. There were no deaths.

CONCLUSION: Uncommon but serious neurological morbidity accompanies skateboard use. Concerns remain about the level of helmet use and choice of unsafe locations for skateboarding.