Pediatric equestrian injuries: assessing the impact of helmet use.
Abstract: To assess the impact of helmet use on the pattern, and severity of pediatric equestrian injuries. Methods: A prospective observational study of all children less than 15 years of age who were brought to the University of Virginia children's Emergency Department with horse-related injuries. Results: During the two-year period of the study, 32 children were evaluated. Two children were injured when a horse stepped on them. Thirty children fell from or were thrown from a horse. Of these, 20 were wearing a helmet. Head injuries were more frequent in those patients not wearing helmets. The mean Modified Injury Severity Scale (MISS) score for riders without a helmet (12.9) was significantly higher (more severe) than that for helmeted riders (2.8). All three patients with a Glascow Coma Score < 15 on arrival were not wearing a helmet at the time of injury. The frequency of hospitalization was significantly higher for those not wearing a helmet. Compared with other common mechanisms of childhood injury the mean Modified Injury Severity Scale score of injured riders was exceeded only by that of pedestrians struck by a car. Conclusions: Equestrian injuries are more severe than those suffered from other common pediatric mechanisms. Helmet use is associated with decreased frequency and severity of central nervous system injury.
Publication Date: 1995-04-01 PubMed ID: 7700745
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- Journal Article
- Research Support
- Non-U.S. Gov't
Summary
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The research article analyzes the significance of helmet use on the pattern and severity of injuries in children involved in equestrian activities. The findings indicate that helmets significantly reduce the frequency and gravity of head injuries.
Research Methodology
- The study was prospective and observational in nature, focusing on children under 15 years of age treated for horse-related injuries at the University of Virginia children’s Emergency Department.
- The duration of the study was two years during which 32 children were evaluated.
- The main variables considered were whether the child was wearing a helmet at the time of the accident, and the severity of their injuries, measured via the Modified Injury Severity Scale (MISS) score and Glascow Coma Score.
Research Findings
- Out of 32 children, 2 were injured by a horse stepping on them, while the other 30 were injured through falls or being thrown from a horse.
- Of the children who fell from or were thrown from a horse, 20 were wearing a helmet.
- The study found a correlation between the absence of a helmet and the prevalence of head injuries, signifying helmets play a protective role.
- In terms of injury severity, children not wearing a helmet had a higher mean MISS score of 12.9 compared to the 2.8 mean score of helmeted children. This higher figure indicates a more severe injury status.
- All children with a lower Glascow Coma Score (indicative of reduced consciousness or brain function) on arrival were not wearing helmets during the accident.
- The frequency of hospitalization was also higher for those not wearing a helmet, suggesting a correlation between not wearing a helmet and more serious injuries requiring more intensive medical care.
Conclusion
- The study concluded that equestrian injuries can be more severe than those suffered from other common causes of pediatric injuries.
- The use of helmets is associated with a decreased frequency and severity of central nervous system injuries, suggesting the importance and efficacy of helmet use in equestrian activities for children.
Cite This Article
APA
Bond GR, Christoph RA, Rodgers BM.
(1995).
Pediatric equestrian injuries: assessing the impact of helmet use.
Pediatrics, 95(4), 487-489.
Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, USA.
MeSH Terms
- Adolescent
- Animals
- Athletic Injuries / epidemiology
- Athletic Injuries / prevention & control
- Central Nervous System / injuries
- Child
- Child, Preschool
- Female
- Head Protective Devices / statistics & numerical data
- Horses
- Humans
- Injury Severity Score
- Male
- Prospective Studies
- Virginia
Citations
This article has been cited 18 times.- Hendricks KJ, Layne LA, Goldcamp EM. National Estimates of Youth and Injuries on U.S. Farms, 2012.. J Agric Saf Health 2018;24(4):261-269.
- Adler CR, Hopp A, Hrelic D, Patrie JT, Fox MG. Retrospective analysis of equestrian-related injuries presenting to a level 1 trauma center.. Emerg Radiol 2019 Dec;26(6):639-645.
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