Pelvic and acetabular trauma in amateur equestrian enthusiasts – A retrospective review.

This research article investigates the types and severity of pelvic and acetabular (hip socket) injuries experienced by amateur horse riders, how they were treated, and the outcomes of these treatments. The study aims to identify groups at greater risk for such injuries.

Methodology

• The study was conducted by retrospectively examining the cases of all patients who were referred to the National Centre for Pelvic and Acetabular Trauma due to horse riding accidents from January 2018 to July 2020.
• Professional horse riders were not included in the study as the focus was on amateur equestrians.
• The researchers categorized the injures based on the mechanics of how they were caused: Fall From Horse (FFH), Horse Crush (HC), Horse Kick (HK), and Saddle Injury (SI).

Results

• During the period under review, the centre received 31 cases related to horse riding. One patient, who was a professional jockey, was excluded from the study.
• A majority of the injuries were sustained by female riders, and the average age at referral was 37 years.
• Most of the injuries – 73% – were to the pelvic ring.
• Half of the patients required surgical intervention, with the majority of these being male.

Conclusions

• The findings suggest that horse riding, even at the amateur level, can result in severe injuries, particularly to the pelvic and acetabular regions.
• Such injuries often necessitate surgical intervention and are frequently associated with other injuries.
• The study identified two high-risk groups: young women and older men. This result calls for preventative strategies to be developed and implemented with these demographics in mind.