Fliker injuries in children

The Fliker, the new version of the foot-propelled scooter, has emerged as an increasingly popular recreational activity for children. This increase in popularity has led to a number of attendances to our tertiary paediatric emergency department (ED) with Fliker-associated injuries. The aim of this study was to examine the incidence and type of such injuries. This was a prospective descriptive study of all children (aged 0-16 years) attending the ED during a summer with Fliker-related injuries. Patients were identified through the ED Symphony Information System. Clinical notes of identified patients were investigated for the mechanism, location and type of injury. The clinical outcome of identified patients was also determined. Eighty patients, 39 boys (48.8%) and 41 girls (51.2%), were identified in the study period. The mean age of the patients was 7.9 years (range from 2 to 13 years). Upper limb injuries were most common, found in 33 (41.2%) children. There were 12 head injuries. The rest sustained lower limb injuries, soft tissue lacerations and dental injuries. The Fliker is one of a number of fad recreational activities to have emerged in recent times. Similar to some of its predecessors (e.g. Heelys, rollerblades), it is associated with a spectrum of injuries in children. European Journal of Emergency Medicine 20:218-220 (c) 2013 Wolters Kluwer Health vertical bar Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.