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European spine journal : official publication of the European Spine Society, the European Spinal Deformity Society, and the European Section of the Cervical Spine Research Society2006; 15(4); 465-471; doi: 10.1007/s00586-005-1012-5

Spine fractures caused by horse riding.

Abstract: Retrospective study and review of literature. Objective: Study of demographic data concerning spinal fractures caused by horse riding, classification of fractures according to the AO and Load Sharing classifications, evaluation of mid-term radiological results and long-term functional results. Methods: A review of medical reports and radiological examinations of patients presented to our hospital with horse riding-related spine fractures over a 13-year period; long-term functional follow-up is performed using the Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ-24). Results: Thirty-six spine fractures were found in 32 patients. Male to female ratio is 1:7. Average age is 33.7 years (8-58 years). The majority of the fractures (78%) are seen at the thoracolumbar junction Th11-L2. All but two patients have AO type A fractures. The average Load Sharing Classification score is 4.9 (range 3-9). Neurological examinations show ASIA/Frankel E status for all patients. Surgical treatment is performed on ten patients. Mean follow-up for radiological data is 15 months (range 3-63). Functional follow-up times range from 1 to 13 years with an average follow-up of 7.3 years. Mean RMDQ-24 score for all patients is 5.5 (range: 0-19), with significantly different scores for the non-operative and surgical group: 4.6 vs 8.1. Twenty-two percent of the patients have permanent occupational disabilities and there is a significant correlation between occupational disability and RMDQ-24 scores. Conclusions: Not only are short-term effects of spine fractures caused by horse riding substantial but these injuries can also lead to long-term disabilities.
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Publication Date: 2006-01-12 PubMed ID: 16408237PubMed Central: PMC3489311DOI: 10.1007/s00586-005-1012-5Google 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 research paper presents a study on spinal fractures caused by horse riding, involving demographic data observation, fracture classification, and evaluation of short-term and long-term results. It revealed that spinal injuries from horse riding can cause significant short and long-term effects, including long-term disabilities.

Study Objectives and Methodology

  • The study aimed to gather demographic data on spinal fractures incurred from horse riding and categorize these fractures based on the AO and Load Sharing classifications. It also sought to evaluate the short-term radiological outcomes and long-term functional results of these injuries.
  • The researchers conducted a retrospective review of medical reports and radiological examinations of patients who had presented with horse riding-related spinal fractures to their hospital over a span of 13 years.
  • Additionally, they performed a long-term functional follow-up using the Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ-24), a recognized tool in assessing disability associated with lower back pain.

Results of the Study

  • The study found 36 spinal fractures in 32 patients. There was a pronounced gender disparity, with the ratio of male to female being 1:7. The average age of patients was found to be 33.7 years, ranging from 8-58 years.
  • The majority (78%) of these fractures occurred at the thoracolumbar junction (Th11-L2). All but two of the patients had AO type A fractures, and the average Load Sharing Classification score was 4.9 (on a scale ranging from 3-9).
  • The neurological assessments showed ASIA/Frankel E status for all patients. This ASIA grade indicates the patients’ sensory and motor functions are normal, highlighting that these horse riding-related fractures had not resulted in affecting the patients’ neurological status.
  • Surgical treatment was conducted on ten patients. The average follow-up for radiological data was 15 months, while functional follow-up times ranged from 1 to 13 years, with an average follow-up of 7.3 years.

Conclusions of the Study

  • The average RMDQ-24 score was 5.5 (on a scale of 0-19) for all patients. However, there was a significant difference between the non-operative and surgical group’s scores, being 4.6 and 8.1, respectively.
  • The study found that 22% of the patients ended with permanent occupational disabilities, and there was a strong correlation between occupational disability and high RMDQ-24 scores.
  • The findings of the study highlighted the fact that spinal fractures caused by horse riding can have not only severe short-term effects but can also lead to long-term disabilities, impacting the individuals’ quality of life and capacity to work.

Cite This Article

APA
Siebenga J, Segers MJ, Elzinga MJ, Bakker FC, Haarman HJ, Patka P. (2006). Spine fractures caused by horse riding. Eur Spine J, 15(4), 465-471. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00586-005-1012-5

Publication

European spine journal : official publication of the European Spine Society, the European Spinal Deformity Society, and the European Section of the Cervical Spine Research Society
ISSN: 0940-6719
NlmUniqueID: 9301980
Country: Germany
Language: English
Volume: 15
Issue: 4
Pages: 465-471

Researcher Affiliations

Siebenga, Jan
  • Department of Traumatology, Vrije Universiteit medisch centrum, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
Segers, Michiel J M
    Elzinga, Matthijs J
      Bakker, Fred C
        Haarman, Henk J T M
          Patka, Peter

            MeSH Terms

            • Adolescent
            • Adult
            • Animals
            • Athletic Injuries / epidemiology
            • Athletic Injuries / etiology
            • Athletic Injuries / pathology
            • Child
            • Female
            • Horses
            • Humans
            • Male
            • Middle Aged
            • Retrospective Studies
            • Spinal Fractures / epidemiology
            • Spinal Fractures / etiology
            • Spinal Fractures / pathology

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            Citations

            This article has been cited 15 times.
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