Injuries to polo riders: a prospective evaluation.
Abstract: To assess prospectively the incidence, nature, and severity of injuries to polo riders competing in the 1996 Argentine High Polo season. Methods: Assessment, documentation, and provision of care for all injuries sustained during the 1996 season by one of the authors. Riders were also surveyed retrospectively for their previous polo injuries. Results: 34 riders took part in the study. Nine injuries were sustained prospectively and 55 injuries were reviewed retrospectively (64 total). The injuries were categorised as minor (10), moderate (13), and major (41). Twenty five (39%) injuries occurred in the arms, 20 (31%) in the legs, 12 (19%) in the head, 3 (5%) in the back, and 4 (6%) in the face. A fracture occurred in 25 (39%) injuries as most resulted from a fall from the horse. Additionally, facial lacerations occurred prospectively in five riders but did not result in missed play. An overall injury rate of 7.8/1000 player-game hours was calculated. Conclusions: Although many sports have injury rates much greater than 8/1000 player-game hours, the severity of most injuries occurring in polo was classified as major, with fractures and facial lacerations common. The use of a helmet with a face protector is recommended to decrease injury to players. A doctor experienced in the management of serious trauma should be present at all polo matches.
Publication Date: 1999-10-16 PubMed ID: 10522635PubMed Central: PMC1756206DOI: 10.1136/bjsm.33.5.329Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary
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This study explored the frequency, type, and severity of injuries experienced by polo players during the 1996 Argentine High Polo season. The findings suggest the threat of major injuries, including fractures and facial lacerations resulting from falls off horses, is significant in the sport, and the researchers recommended the use of helmets with face protectors and the presence of seasoned trauma doctors at polo matches.
Research Methodology
- The study was carried out on polo players participating in the 1996 Argentine High Polo Season.
- One of the study authors documented all injuries sustained during the season and provided the necessary care.
- Additionally, a retrospective review of previous injuries experienced by the horseback riders was conducted.
Research Findings
- 34 players participated in the study, during which 9 new injuries happened while 55 previous injuries were reviewed, totalling 64 injuries.
- The injuries were categorized based on severity into minor (10), moderate (13), and major (41).
- 25 injuries (39%) were located in the arms, 20 (31%) in the legs, 12 (19%) in the head, 3 (5%) in the back, and 4 (6%) on the face.
- A total of 25 (39%) injuries consisted of fractures, mainly due to falls from horses.
- In addition, 5 facial lacerations were reported during the polo games but did not result in the players missing any games.
- The overall injury rate was found to be 7.8 per 1000 player-game hours.
Conclusion and Recommendations
- While many sports have injury rates higher than 8 per 1000 player-game hours, the severity of injuries in polo is generally classified as major, with fractures and facial lacerations being common.
- The researchers recommend the use of a helmet with a face protector to reduce the risk of injuries among polo players.
- The researchers also suggest that experienced trauma doctors should be present at all polo matches to handle any potentially severe injuries.
Cite This Article
APA
Costa-Paz M, Aponte-Tinao L, Muscolo DL.
(1999).
Injuries to polo riders: a prospective evaluation.
Br J Sports Med, 33(5), 329-332.
https://doi.org/10.1136/bjsm.33.5.329 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Carlos E Ottolenghi Institute of Orthopaedics, Italian Hospital of Buenos Aires, Argentina.
MeSH Terms
- Adult
- Age Distribution
- Animals
- Argentina / epidemiology
- Athletic Injuries / diagnosis
- Athletic Injuries / epidemiology
- Horses
- Humans
- Incidence
- Injury Severity Score
- Male
- Prospective Studies
- Retrospective Studies
- Risk Factors
- Sports
References
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Citations
This article has been cited 9 times.- Stark NE, Begonia MT, Rowson S. Evaluating Polo Helmet Performance Across Different Impact Test Systems. Ann Biomed Eng 2025 Aug;53(8):1810-1833.
- Standing R, Best R. Strength and Reaction Time Capabilities of New Zealand Polo Players and Their Association with Polo Playing Handicap. J Funct Morphol Kinesiol 2019 Jul 25;4(3).
- Inness CM, Morgan KL. Falls and injuries to Polo players: risk perception, mitigation and risk factors. Sports Med Open 2015 Dec;1(1):2.
- Young JD, Gelbs JC, Zhu DS, Gallacher SE, Sutton KM, Blaine TA. Orthopaedic Injuries in Equestrian Sports: A Current Concepts Review. Orthop J Sports Med 2015 Sep;3(9):2325967115603924.
- Hasler RM, Gyssler L, Benneker L, Martinolli L, Schötzau A, Zimmermann H, Exadaktylos AK. Protective and risk factors in amateur equestrians and description of injury patterns: A retrospective data analysis and a case - control survey. J Trauma Manag Outcomes 2011 Feb 4;5:4.
- Schöffl V, Morrison A, Schwarz U, Schöffl I, Küpper T. Evaluation of injury and fatality risk in rock and ice climbing. Sports Med 2010 Aug 1;40(8):657-79.
- McCrory P, Turner M, LeMasson B, Bodere C, Allemandou A. An analysis of injuries resulting from professional horse racing in France during 1991-2001: a comparison with injuries resulting from professional horse racing in Great Britain during 1992-2001. Br J Sports Med 2006 Jul;40(7):614-8.
- Turner M, McCrory P, Halley W. Injuries in professional horse racing in Great Britain and the Republic of Ireland during 1992-2000. Br J Sports Med 2002 Dec;36(6):403-9.
- Exadaktylos AK, Eggli S, Inden P, Zimmermann H. Hoof kick injuries in unmounted equestrians. Improving accident analysis and prevention by introducing an accident and emergency based relational database. Emerg Med J 2002 Nov;19(6):573-5.
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