In the June 2007 issue of “Pediatrics,” research about the number and types of injuries associated with Heelys’ wheeled children’s sneakers was published. The research found 67 children were treated for injuries from the shoes in a 10-week period in Summer 2006 at a hospital in Ireland.

Heelys’ sneakers look like gym shoes but have wheel sockets in each heel that pop out when users shift their weight to their heels.

Wheeled sneakers, manufactured by Texas-based maker Heelys Inc., are popular for children but are causing injuries. Doctors have reported treating broken wrists, arms, and ankles, as well as dislocated elbows, and even cracked skulls in children who were injured while wearing the shoes.

One specific child was reported to have had a head injury so severe that a surgical procedure was required to open the child’s skull to remove an extradural hematoma, or a potentially deadly buildup of blood.

Between September 2005 and December 2006, one death and at least 64 injuries were reported to the U.S. Consumer Product and Safety Commission (CPSC).

Most reported injuries were in new users and occurred when the children fell backward while shifting their body weight to their heels.

A study from April to June 2006 found that, out of 39 patients who sustained injuries while wearing the shoes, eight required admission to a hospital and one had a serious head injury.

A report written by the National Children’s Hospital in Ireland, where Heelys shoes were introduced in 2005, said the injuries related to the shoes demonstrates “potentially devastating results from the use of Heelys. The public perception of safety is incorrect and manufacturers rightly recommend strongly the use of safety gear.”

The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons has recommended safety devices for children who wear Heelys, such as helmets, wrist protectors, and knee and elbow pads. The shoes are sold with safety information that recommends users wear protective gear.

In April 2007, Heelys Inc. said the wheeled shoes had a safer injury rate than skateboarding, inline skating and swimming.

Sources: Lindsey Tanner, “’Heeling’ may leave kids hurting,” Kansas City Star, June 3, 2007; “Heely injuries: a new epidemic warranting a government health warning,” National Library of Medicine, January 17, 2007.