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A study described in the latest issue of the journal Pediatrics described the high accident rate associated with the shoes that are a cross between sneakers and roller skates — "Heelys," with wheels embedded in the heels. The study showed that the shoes are especially dangerous for beginners and girls.
Emergency Room Data and the Consumer Product Safety Commission's Results
In addition, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reported recently that one death and at least 64 injuries are due to the trendy footwear, sometimes known generically as "roller shoes."
The Pediatrics study described a Dublin, Ireland hospital's treatment of 67 children (11 boys and 56 girls) over the summer of 2006 for injuries incurred while they were using Heelys or "Street Gliders." The study's lead author, Dr. Mihai Vioreanu, called the results "pretty amazing," adding that the unnatural balance needed to successfully skate with roller shoes probably contributes to the high injury rate. "This balanced position with a tendency of the body to fall backwards explains the risk of falling," he said.
Broken Arms, Wrists and Shoulders
Dislocated and/or fractured arms, shoulders, and wrists were the most common injuries among the kids, who ranged in age from about 6 to 14 years old. More than half of the injuries were incurred in children who had just gotten the shoes, and none of the 67 children had been using any protective gear when they were injured. The study's authors speculated that perhaps the reason that more girls treated was that more girls than boys wear Heelys. It is also possible that parents are more likely to seek medical treatment for girls.
Heelys have become an international craze since their introduction in 2000. However, doctors in the United States, Korea, Singapore, and other countries have voiced their concerns about the shoes and the injuries they're causing.
(Source: ABCnews.go.com)
Have you or your child been injured in an accident involving Heelys or similar roller shoes? Speak with a personal injury attorney today to discuss your concerns.