Biomechanical examinations of the efficacy of wrist guards in inline skating

INTRODUCTION: Fractures of the wrist and forearm are the most frequent injuries in Inline-Skating. Clinical experience has shown that these injuries can be prevented the use of wrist protectors. But various authors have shown that fractures can also occur despite the use of wrist protectors. Aim of this study was to examine different wrist protectors in a biomechanical set up. METHOD: A standardized trauma was simulated using an artificial hand with a certain weight. The forces with or without protective devices have been recorded by a force moment sensor. The results of different protectors have been compared. RESULTS: A mean force of 956 N was measured without the use of a protective device. With the application of a wrist protector these forces were reduced between 4 and 20 %. The best values have been reached with models with a strong base plate. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the present study may explain the clinical observation that wrist and forearm fractures can occur despite the use of a wrist guard. The protective effect of a wrist protector depends highly on the model that is used.