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The Journal of trauma2008; 65(2); 447-460; doi: 10.1097/TA.0b013e31817dac43

The demographics of equestrian-related injuries in the United States: injury patterns, orthopedic specific injuries, and avenues for injury prevention.

Abstract: It was the purpose of this study to review equestrian-related injuries using a large nation wide database and analyze predictors of significant injury. Methods: The National Electronic Surveillance System database was queried for equestrian injuries from 2002 to 2004. The presence of a fracture, dislocation, traumatic brain injury, musculoskeletal injury, orthopedic injury, and spinal injury, as well as injury mechanism, geographical location, and emergency room disposition were noted. Bivariate, cosinor seasonal, and multiple logistic regression analyses were performed. p < 0.01 was considered significant. Results: Emergency room visits because of equestrian-related injuries from 2002 to 2004 from the NEISS database were reviewed; there were 5,033 visits during this time span. The average age was 30.0 +/- 17.0 years; 66% were women. The injuries occurred at home (36%), recreation/sporting facility (30%), on a farm (19%), and other public property (12%). The injury was due to a fall (59%), thrown/bucked from the horse (22.0%), and while riding the horse (9%). The most common injuries were contusion/abrasions (31%), fractures (28%), sprain/strains (18%), traumatic brain injuries (12%), and lacerations (6%). The body area injured was the head and neck (24%), trunk (29%), upper extremity (30%), lower extremity (16%), and multiple locations (1%). Most injuries occurred in the summer. Predictors of hospital admission were age >18 years, traumatic brain injury, fracture, or occurrence on other public property (odds ratios 1.4, 6.25, 7.7, and 1.5, respectively). Conclusions: The largest number of equestrian injuries occur in white females in the 2nd, 4th, and 5th decades of life. Serious injuries are due to falling or being bucked off a horse and most commonly occur at home or at a recreational/sporting facility. Prevention strategies (educational and passive protection equipment) should be especially targeted to this high risk group.
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Publication Date: 2008-08-13 PubMed ID: 18695484DOI: 10.1097/TA.0b013e31817dac43Google Scholar: Lookup
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  • Journal Article
  • Research Support
  • Non-U.S. Gov't

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.

This research study focuses on equestrian-related injuries in the United States, particularly the injury patterns, orthopedic-specific injuries, and possible ways to prevent these injuries. Analyzing data from a nationwide database, the study provides insights into the demographics of those most affected, the common locations and mechanisms for these injuries, and the typical type of injuries sustained.

Methodology

  • The research was conducted using data from the National Electronic Surveillance System (NEISS) database. Equestrian injuries from 2002 to 2004 were studied.
  • The researchers looked at various factors, including the type of injury (whether it was a fracture, dislocation, traumatic brain injury, etc.), injury mechanism, geographical location, and the disposition of the patients in the emergency room.
  • Different statistical analysis methods were employed, such as bivariate, cosinor seasonal, and multiple logistic regression analyses for a comprehensive examination of the data.

Results

  • Based on the analysis of 5,033 visits to the emergency room due to equestrian-related injuries, researchers found that the average age of injured individuals was 30 years and 66% were women.
  • Injuries occurred in various locations, with most occurring at home (36%) and the rest at recreation/sporting facilities (30%), farms (19%), and other public properties (12%).
  • The main cause of injury was falls (59%), followed by being thrown or bucked from the horse (22%), and riding the horse (9%).
  • The most common types of injuries sustained were contusion/abrasions (31%), fractures (28%) and sprains/strains (18%). Traumatic brain injuries constituted 12% of the injuries while lacerations made up 6%.
  • The parts of the body most commonly injured were the head and neck (24%), trunk (29%), and upper extremity (30%). Less frequently injured were the lower extremity (16%) and multiple locations (1%).
  • The incidents primarily occurred during the summer. And the factors which predicted hospital admission were age above 18 years, a traumatic brain injury, a fracture, or an occurrence on public property.

Conclusions

  • The study concluded that equestrian injuries were most common in Caucasian females in the 2nd, 4th, and 5th decades of life.
  • Most severe injuries were a result of falling or being bucked off a horse, and these kinds of incidents often took place at home or at a recreational/sporting facility.
  • Preventive strategies, including education and passive protection equipment, should be targeted specifically at this high-risk group to reduce the incidence of equestrian injuries.

Cite This Article

APA
Loder RT. (2008). The demographics of equestrian-related injuries in the United States: injury patterns, orthopedic specific injuries, and avenues for injury prevention. J Trauma, 65(2), 447-460. https://doi.org/10.1097/TA.0b013e31817dac43

Publication

The Journal of trauma
ISSN: 1529-8809
NlmUniqueID: 0376373
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 65
Issue: 2
Pages: 447-460

Researcher Affiliations

Loder, Randall T
  • Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Indiana School of Medicine, Indiana University, Indiana, USA. rloder@iupui.edu

MeSH Terms

  • Accidental Falls / statistics & numerical data
  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Animals
  • Athletic Injuries / epidemiology
  • Brain Concussion / epidemiology
  • Brain Injuries / epidemiology
  • Contusions / epidemiology
  • Craniocerebral Trauma / epidemiology
  • Female
  • Fractures, Bone / epidemiology
  • Horses
  • Humans
  • Lacerations / epidemiology
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Musculoskeletal System / injuries
  • Neck Injuries / epidemiology
  • Recreation
  • Sprains and Strains / epidemiology
  • United States

Citations

This article has been cited 27 times.
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