Hoverboards and upper limb fractures in children


Published online: Dec 27 2016

Stanley JONES, Sumukh KHANDEKAR, Farhan SIRAJ, Balaji TALASEELA, Mansur Ali MOHAMMED, Ahmed KAMHAWY

From the department of Trauma and Orthopaedics, Al Ahli Hospital, Doha, Qatar.

Abstract

Purpose : The purpose of this study is to report our experience of fractures in children riding Hoverboards. Methods : We undertook a prospective review of all children attending our hospital who sustained fractures whilst riding a Hoverboard. Data such as patient demographics, type of fracture sustained, treatment received, complications and outcome were collected. Results : Twelve children, 5 males and 7 females with ages ranging from 5.5 to 15.3 years were included in this study. All patients sustained upper limb fractures and the distal radius was the commonest fracture site (30%). Surgery was required in 6 (50%) out of the 12 patients because the respective fractures were displaced. No patient had any ongoing complaints or disability at the last clinic review. Conclusion : Children riding Hoverboards are predisposed to upper limb fractures and parents who purchase Hoverboards should be warned about this.