Injury Patterns of Equine-Related Trauma

Abstract

Introduction:Equestrian sports are popular in the United Kingdom (UK), with approximately 2.7 million people of all ages participating in equine-related sports in 2015. These sports are not without risk; the position of the mounted rider puts them at risk of injuries sustained by fall from a height, compounded by movement at speed. The aim of this study was to characterise demographics and injury patterns of equine-related trauma presentations at a major trauma centre in the UK.Methods:From a trauma admissions database and electronic search of radiology requests including keywords “equine”, “equestrian”, “horse”, and “pony” with cross-referencing from ICD-10 coding, 144 patients were identified to have presented to an adult major trauma centre with equine-related injuries from falls while mounted over a 3-year period.Results:Females accounted for 86% of patients (n = 123). The most common presenting age group was age 20-29, but most injuries occurred with patients of ages 50-59. Spinal injuries accounted for 41% (n = 69) of all injuries and occurred in a similar proportion in all age groups. Upper limb injuries accounted for 100% of injuries in those aged 0-9. 39% (n = 56) of patients required operative management for their injuries.Conclusion:We have been able to identify which body zones of injury are more at-risk in equine-related sports following falls from mounted riders, and recognize how certain injury patterns may be more prevalent in particular age groups. Spinal injuries have been demonstrated to be a new leading zone of injury, possibly due to stricter legislation from government and industry leading to the relative reduction of head injuries. Reducing the number and severity of these injuries will not only improve patient outcomes but reduce the burden on the healthcare system.

Patterns of injury following equine trauma: a non-trauma centre experience

“…This trend is similar to previous studies. 6 It is likely that the first peak is attributable to the large numbers in this age group involved in horse riding 1 and their inexperience in doing so. As it is a legal requirement in Scotland for children under 14 years of age to wear a helmet, 12 injury in the under 10 category is likely to be prevented somewhat.…”

“…However, with a significant weight and kicking force, 5 un-mounted injury is also possible. To date, the majority of the literature is based on the experience from major trauma centres 3,6–8 and originates from either North America or Australasia. The geography of Scotland results in many rural communities which do not have immediate access to a major trauma centre.…”

Maxillofacial Horse Trauma: A 10-Year Retrospective Study at a UK Major Trauma Center

“…1 In a recent study 41% of injuries caused involved the spine. 2 There are few studies which shows their impact in the head and neck region, specifically facial injuries. Horse trauma is noted to be more dangerous than rugby injuries and motorcycle accidents.…”

“…Horse trauma is noted to be more dangerous than rugby injuries and motorcycle accidents. 2,3 This is in part due to the high position of the rider as well as the force of a direct kick from a horse, which can be up to 10 000 newtons. The unpredictability of an animal also contributes to severity of the injury with mechanism of injury varying from a direct kick, fall, bite and being trampled on.…”