The mosaic of equestrian-related injuries in Greece.
Abstract: This study aims to estimate the burden and describe the profile of equestrian injuries in Greece, where horses, donkeys, and mules are still used in agriculture and where horse riding is a popular leisure activity. Methods: Prospectively collected information on 140,823 injuries reported in the national Emergency Department Injury Surveillance System was examined and 244 equestrian-related injuries that occurred during farming, equestrian sports, or horse racing were analyzed. Results: The estimated countrywide injury incidence for farming and equestrian sports combined was 21 per 100,000 person-years, but it was 160 times higher for horse-racing personnel. Men had higher rates of racing injuries and women had higher rates of equestrian sport injuries. Fractures accounted for 39.0% of injuries in horse racing and 30.5% in farming; head injuries accounted for approximately 50% of injuries among farmers. Farming injuries were more serious, with 25% requiring hospitalization. Analysis through the Barell matrix pointed to the role of spurs in the causation of ankle fractures and dislocations and the likely contribution of helmets in preventing traumatic brain injuries. Conclusions: Equestrian-related injuries are a serious but underappreciated health problem and merit targeted prevention efforts for each category affected.
Publication Date: 2004-05-07 PubMed ID: 15128138DOI: 10.1097/01.ta.0000053470.38129.f4Google Scholar: Lookup
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- Journal Article
- Research Support
- Non-U.S. Gov't
Summary
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This research investigates the incidence and characteristics of horse-related injuries in Greece, where horses and other related animals are still used in farming and sports. The study finds notable differences in terms of gender, type of activity, and injury outcomes, pointing out specific prevention measures.
Research Methodology
- The research was conducted by examining the data from the Emergency Department Injury Surveillance System of Greece. This system consisted of prospectively collected information on 140,823 reported injuries.
- From this dataset, the researchers isolated 244 equestrian-related injuries that occurred either during farming, equestrian sports, or horse racing for detailed examination.
Findings of the Study
- The study found that the countrywide injury incidence related to farming and equestrian sports in Greece was 21 per 100,000 person-years.
- This injury incidence was reported to be 160 times higher in the case of personnel involved in horse racing.
- Gender differences were noticed in different activities. Men had higher rates of injuries in horse racing, while women were more prone to injuries related to equestrian sports.
- Fractures made up a significant portion of injuries, accounting for 39.0% of injuries in horse racing and 30.5% in farming.
- Head injuries were surprisingly common among farmers, accounting for approximately 50% of this group’s injuries.
- Farming-related injuries were found to be more serious, with a quarter of such cases requiring hospitalization.
Analysis and Conclusion
- The study uses the Barell matrix method to analyze the data and draw insights. The method pointed out the role of spurs in causing ankle fractures and dislocations.
- This analysis also suggests the likely contribution of helmets in preventing traumatic brain injuries.
- Based on these findings, the researchers conclude that equestrian-related injuries are a serious yet often overlooked health problem. As such, the study suggests concerted efforts to devise and implement targeted preventive measures for each affected category to reduce the incidence and impact of these injuries.
Cite This Article
APA
Petridou E, Kedikoglou S, Belechri M, Ntouvelis E, Dessypris N, Trichopoulos D.
(2004).
The mosaic of equestrian-related injuries in Greece.
J Trauma, 56(3), 643-647.
https://doi.org/10.1097/01.ta.0000053470.38129.f4 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Department of Hygiene and Epidemiology, Athens University Medical School, 75 Mikras Asias, Goudi, Athens 115-27, Greece. epetrid@med.uoa.gr
MeSH Terms
- Accidents, Occupational / economics
- Accidents, Occupational / prevention & control
- Accidents, Occupational / statistics & numerical data
- Adolescent
- Adult
- Aged
- Agriculture
- Animals
- Athletic Injuries / economics
- Athletic Injuries / epidemiology
- Athletic Injuries / prevention & control
- Emergency Service, Hospital / statistics & numerical data
- Equidae
- Evidence-Based Medicine
- Female
- Greece / epidemiology
- Health Care Costs / statistics & numerical data
- Horses
- Humans
- Leisure Activities
- Male
- Middle Aged
- Multiple Trauma / economics
- Multiple Trauma / epidemiology
- Multiple Trauma / prevention & control
- Population Surveillance
- Risk Factors
- Rural Population / statistics & numerical data
- Urban Population / statistics & numerical data
Citations
This article has been cited 7 times.- Majeedkutty NA, Khairulanuar NA. Prevalence, patterns, and correlates of equestrian injuries in Malaysia: A cross-sectional study. J Family Community Med 2017 Jan-Apr;24(1):18-22.
- Haigh L, Thompson K. Helmet Use Amongst Equestrians: Harnessing Social and Attitudinal Factors Revealed in Online Forums. Animals (Basel) 2015 Jul 17;5(3):576-91.
- Srinivasan V, Pierre C, Plog B, Srinivasan K, Petraglia AL, Huang JH. Straight from the horse's mouth: neurological injury in equestrian sports. Neurol Res 2014 Oct;36(10):873-7.
- Triantafyllopoulos I, Panagopoulos A, Sapkas G. Mid-Thoracic Spinal Injuries during Horse Racing: Report of 3 Cases and Review of Causative Factors and Prevention Measurements. Case Rep Orthop 2013;2013:715409.
- Hasler RM, Gyssler L, Benneker L, Martinolli L, Schötzau A, Zimmermann H, Exadaktylos AK. Protective and risk factors in amateur equestrians and description of injury patterns: A retrospective data analysis and a case - control survey. J Trauma Manag Outcomes 2011 Feb 4;5:4.
- Fong DT, Hong Y, Chan LK, Yung PS, Chan KM. A systematic review on ankle injury and ankle sprain in sports. Sports Med 2007;37(1):73-94.
- Politis P, Leotsinidis M, Jelastopulu E, Tatani I. Occupational Injuries in Greece: A Systematic Review of the Literature. Cureus 2025 Jan;17(1):e77661.
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