[The injury pattern in horseback riding].
- English Abstract
- Journal Article
Summary
This study examines the patterns of injuries sustained during horse riding, highlighting that while such injuries are less frequent, they are quite severe, often involving fractures. The prevalence of horse riding injuries to different parts of the body and their severity are thoroughly discussed.
Understanding the Injury Pattern in Horseback Riding
The research paper dedicates itself to examining the nature of injuries that occur during horseback riding.
- The first part of the study identifies that horseback riding, when compared to other sports, results in relatively fewer injuries. However, these injuries can be more severe and dangerous.
- Particularly, it suggests that approximately 40% of the injuries suffered during horseback riding result in bone fractures. This is a significant proportion and outlines the potential severity of riding mishaps.
- In contrast, only 15% of the injuries are sprains. Despite the fact that sprains are typically less severe than fractures, they still pose a significant health concern to riders and require proper medical attention.
Statistics on Hospital Admissions and Injury Distribution
The paper provides some key statistics about the need for hospital admissions and the most common locations of injuries in horseback riding incidents.
- About 20% of injured riders have to be admitted to the hospital for further treatment. This statistic emphasizes the serious nature of many horseback injuries.
- Nearly one-third (30%) of the horseback riding injuries involve the arm, reflecting the vulnerability of this body part during horse riding.
- Between 7.5% and 10% of injuries impact the spine, indicating a smaller but significant risk.
- The head is affected in 20% of the incidents, with brain injuries accounting for 8% of total injuries.
- In comparison, the lower extremities (legs, feet) are impacted in only about 20% of injuries, suggesting that the bulk of injuries in horseback riding occur in the upper body.
Lethality of Horseback Riding Injuries
One alarming insight from the study is the lethality of horseback riding accidents.
- The study reveals that a stunning one quarter of all fatal sport injuries are caused by horseback riding. This signifies the high risk of fatal accidents associated with this sport, even though the overall rate of injuries is lower compared to other sports.
In conclusion, while horseback riding may result in fewer injuries compared to other sports, the severity and potential lethality of these injuries highlight the importance of safety precautions in this sport.
Cite This Article
Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Städtische Kliniken, Frankfurt a. M.-Höchst, Bundesrepublik Deutschland.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Athletic Injuries / epidemiology
- Athletic Injuries / etiology
- Cross-Sectional Studies
- Germany / epidemiology
- Horses
- Humans
- Incidence
- Risk Factors
Citations
This article has been cited 2 times.- Meyer HL, Scheidgen P, Polan C, Beck P, Mester B, Kauther MD, Dudda M, Burggraf M. Injuries and Overuse Injuries in Show Jumping-A Retrospective Epidemiological Cross-Sectional Study of Show Jumpers in Germany.. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2022 Feb 17;19(4).
- Kiss K, Swatek P, Lénárt I, Mayr J, Schmidt B, Pintér A, Höllwarth ME. Analysis of horse-related injuries in children.. Pediatr Surg Int 2008 Oct;24(10):1165-9.