Ice Skating Injuries: A Review of Literature on Nature of Injuries and the Role of Preventive Strategies

Abstract

Despite the fact that ice skating is one of the most popular sports, its risks of potential injuries are often underestimated. There are a variety of injuries associated with this sports ranging from acute injuries like fractures to chronic manifestations like tendon injuries and tendinoses. Some and quite few of these injuries are preventable by good planning and good education. Skaters should be educated on best methods of breaking their falls and freely supplied with protective measures at the ice rink. The aim of this study was to review the characteristics of injuries caused by ice skating, to compare them in children and adults, to identify risk factors associated with such injuries and to review the role of injury prevention strategies. We evaluated these injuries, were able to identify the risk factors and were able to formulate prevention strategies.