Equestrian injuries: incidence, injury patterns and risk factors for 10 years of major traumatic injuries

Abstract

We read with interest the paper by Ball et al 1 Ball C.G. Ball J.E. Kirkpatrick A.W. et al. Equestrian injuries: Incidence, injury patterns, and risk factors for 10 years of major traumatic injuries. Am J Surg. 2007; 193: 636-640 Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (136) Google Scholar reporting on the incidence, injury patterns, and the risk factors of equestrian activities sustained by riders. In our study of equestrian-related facial injuries in a semi-rural environment in northwest England, 2 Molly R. Cousin G. et al. Not just horsing around—a review of the nature and severity of equestrian related facial injuries. 2006 Google Scholar we found that all of the riders who sustained serious facial fractures were experienced riders. Unlike the Canadian experience, none of them sustained their injuries when thrown from the horse, but all were injured when handling or moving the horses, when they were kicked by the animals. None of the patients were wearing protective vests nor helmets at the time of injury. All of the injuries were isolated facial injuries; we also agree with the authors about the severity if the injuries, which were much more serious than those commonly seen as a result of interpersonal violence. The injuries, and their severity, had devastating, permanent effects on the individuals. One 17-year-old patient suffered a ruptured globe. Equestrian injuries: incidence, injury patterns, and risk factors for 10 years of major traumatic injuriesThe American Journal of SurgeryVol. 193Issue 5PreviewHorseback riding is more dangerous than motorcycle riding, skiing, football, and rugby. The purpose of this study was to identify the incidence and injury patterns, as well as risk factors associated with severe equestrian trauma. Full-Text PDF