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American journal of surgery2007; 193(5); 636-640; doi: 10.1016/j.amjsurg.2007.01.016

Equestrian injuries: incidence, injury patterns, and risk factors for 10 years of major traumatic injuries.

Abstract: Horseback riding is more dangerous than motorcycle riding, skiing, football, and rugby. The purpose of this study was to identify the incidence and injury patterns, as well as risk factors associated with severe equestrian trauma. Methods: All patients with major equestrian injuries (injury severity score > or = 12) admitted between 1995 and 2005 were reviewed. A 46-question survey outlining potential rider, animal, and environmental risk factors was administered. Results: Among 7941 trauma patients, 151 (2%) were injured on horseback (mean injury severity score, 20; mortality rate, 7%). Injuries included the chest (54%), head (48%), abdomen (22%), and extremities (17%). Forty-five percent required surgery. Survey results (55%) indicated that riders and horses were well trained, with a 47% recidivism rate. Only 9% of patients wore helmets, however, 64% believed the accident was preventable. Conclusions: Chest trauma previously has been underappreciated. This injury pattern may be a result of significant rider experience. Helmet and vest use will be targeted in future injury prevention strategies.
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Publication Date: 2007-04-17 PubMed ID: 17434372DOI: 10.1016/j.amjsurg.2007.01.016Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

The study reveals that horseback riding poses a significant risk of major trauma injuries, even more than motorcycle riding, skiing, football, and rugby. It highlights the need for enhanced safety measures, despite a high level of training among riders and horses.

Overview of Research Conducted

  • The study spanned over a decade, from 1995 to 2005, investigating major equestrian injuries with an injury severity score of 12 or more. These injury cases consisted of 2% of 7941 trauma patients admitted within the timeframe.
  • A 46-question survey was conducted to identify potential risk factors related to the rider, the horse, and the surrounding environment.
  • The injury patterns recorded included chest (54%), head (48%), abdomen (22%), and extremities (17%). Almost half of the injured patients, 45%, required surgical intervention.
  • The report also noted that only 9% of the patients were wearing helmets at the time of the accident, though a significant 64% believed their accident could have been preventable.

Key Findings of the Research

  • Main findings include the significant instance of chest trauma, which the study suggests might have been previously underestimated given the attention to head injuries.
  • The survey results indicated that despite a 47% recidivism rate, indicating recurring accidents among the patients, 55% felt that both the riders and horses were well-trained.
  • In terms of safety measures, the study found a disproportionately low usage of helmets among the patients, despite the high injury rates and the perception among the majority that their accidents could have been avoided.

Implications and Conclusions

  • The research concludes that there is a definite need to focus on improving safety protocols, particularly around the usage of helmets and protective vests, to reduce the risk and severity of injuries.
  • The study also implies that there may be value in developing a more enhanced training program for riders given the significant recurrence rate of accidents among riders who considered themselves and their horses well-trained.

Cite This Article

APA
Ball CG, Ball JE, Kirkpatrick AW, Mulloy RH. (2007). Equestrian injuries: incidence, injury patterns, and risk factors for 10 years of major traumatic injuries. Am J Surg, 193(5), 636-640. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.amjsurg.2007.01.016

Publication

American journal of surgery
ISSN: 1879-1883
NlmUniqueID: 0370473
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 193
Issue: 5
Pages: 636-640

Researcher Affiliations

Ball, Chad G
  • Department of Surgery, Foothills Medical Centre, 10th Floor, North Tower, 403 29th St. NW, Calgary, Alberta, Canada T2N 2T9.
Ball, Jill E
    Kirkpatrick, Andrew W
      Mulloy, Robert H

        MeSH Terms

        • Adult
        • Aged
        • Animals
        • Athletic Injuries / epidemiology
        • Female
        • Horses
        • Humans
        • Incidence
        • Injury Severity Score
        • Male
        • Middle Aged
        • Risk Factors
        • Surveys and Questionnaires
        • Time Factors

        Citations

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