We undertook this study to determine the types and frequency of injuries sustained in luge riding in Rotorua. Before this study, no data was available in the medical literature on (road) luge riding.

We conducted a retrospective study for all injuries related to luge riding seen in Rotorua Hospital for five years (July/1999 to July/2004). Data obtained from the Hospital records was studied with regards to patient demographics. Two hundred and fifteen luge riding related injuries were recorded. One hundred and thirty two cases were trivial injuries mostly bruises and contusions. Eighty three cases were injuries needing admission or follow up after discharge from A& E. The majority were male (85%) with a mean age of 28 years (range 14 to 82 years, peak 20–27 years). No patient had multiple injuries.

Significant lower limb injuries (54%) included: ankle fractures, 20; knee injuries, 13 (predominantly males; age group, 21–30 years); fracture tibia, 5; fracture shaft of femur, 2; foot fractures, 4; and one pertrochanteric fracture. Upper limb injuries were (35%): shoulder dislocation +/− fracture, 11(mainly males; age group, 14–20 years); hand injuries 11; fracture clavicle, 3; one each of fracture head of radius, fracture ulna, fracture shaft of humerus and AC joint dislocation. Other injuries (11%): stable fractures of the spine, 3; mild abdominal injuries, 2 and mild head injuries, 4 (mainly young females). During the same period, and according to the ACC statistics, there were 60 claims for luge riding in New Zealand with an estimated cost of $246,000 NZD.

Significant injury can occur as a consequence of luge riding. Upper limb injuries tent to occur in younger age groups than lower limb injuries.