A press release from the National Orthopaedic Society:

Competitive short-track speed skaters may be placing their extremities at risk, says a new study. The most common diagnoses include lacerations to the arms, hands, and legs, ankle fractures and sprains, and concussions. The body parts that are most commonly injured are the lower extremity, groin, spine, and head.

Short-track is pack-style speed skating that takes place within hockey arenas on a 111.12-meter track. The sport was relatively obscure until its full-medal debut at the 1992 Winter Olympics (Albertville, France). Despite short-track's increasing popularity, it is not without risk. The pack format, 16- to 18-inch blades, speeds in excess of 50 km/hour, and confined track space combine to create a high risk for serious injury.