Horse-related trauma in children and adults during a two year period

Abstract

IntroductionHorse riding, with almost 200,000 participants, is the eighth most popular sport in Sweden. Severe injuries can occur with horse riding accidents which is well documented. This study was undertaken to investigate if injuries associated with horse riding are common, which type of injuries occur, what mechanisms are involved and to estimate the costs to the society.Material and methodsAll patients attending the emergency department at Linköping University Hospital, during the years 2003-2004, due to horse related trauma were prospectively recorded. The patients were divided into two groups according to age, 147 children and 141 adults. The medical records were retrospectively scrutinized.ResultsThe most common mechanism of injury was falling from the horse. Most commonly, minor sprains and soft tissue injuries were seen, but also minor head injuries and fractures, mainly located in the upper limb. In total 26 adults and 37 children were admitted. Of these 63 patients 19 were considered having a serious injury. In total, four patients needed treatment in intensive care units.The total cost in each group was 200,000 Euro/year.ConclusionHorse riding is a sport with well known risks. Our results corresponds to the literature, however we have not observed the same incidence of serious injuries. In contrast we find these to be fairly uncommon. The injuries are mainly minor, with a small risk of long term morbidity. Over time regulations and safety equipment seem to have decreased the number of serious accidents.

A Review of Incidence and Injury Patterns of Equestrian-Related Accidents in Children and Adolescents

“…The main injury mechanisms include the fall off the horse, the kick of the fallen rider by the horse and, to a lesser extent, the biting by the horse, trampling by the horse or being dragged by the reins after the fall. Worldwide the largest percentage of injuries in both children and adults takes place after falling off the horse [1,2,4,8]. Comparing the injury mechanisms between children and adults we see that 85% of the children had fall accidents, 7% were kicked, while 65% of the adults had fall accidents and 16% were kicked [4].…”

“…Most injuries occur during horse riding and only a few during the care of the horse [4]. The main injury mechanisms include the fall off the horse, the kick of the fallen rider by the horse and, to a lesser extent, the biting by the horse, trampling by the horse or being dragged by the reins after the fall.…”

“…It is also reported that about 80 million people ride horses at least once in a year and even nearly 2 million of them are younger than 20 years of age [3]. Horseback riding is the eighth in the rank in sport participation in Sweden reaching 200,000 riders namely 2% of Sweden citizens [4].…”

“…So, horseback riding is more dangerous than motorcycle riding and various other sports such as skiing, football, and rugby [2]. Of note head injuries ranging from mild injuries to catastrophic lesions such as severe brain contusion or intracranial bleeding represent a great proportion of horse-related trauma in children as high as 19-24% [4].…”

“…According to a study, the total cost for consultation and treatment for children was found to amount up to 210000 Euro, which means approximately 1400 euro per accident [4]. Besides the significant socio-economic cost related to horse riding injuries, they are also associated with long lasting disabilities and unbearable consequences for the overall health and quality of life of young riders [8].…”