Rodeo Catastrophic Injuries and Registry: Initial Retrospective and Prospective Report

Abstract

To introduce the Rodeo Catastrophic Injury Registry (RCIR) and quantify the nature and incidence of catastrophic injury and fatality in rodeo participants across North America. Retrospective and prospective collection of catastrophic and fatal injury data in rodeo using an online registry (RCIR). Canada and the United States. North American rodeo competitors. Age, gender, level of competition, rodeo event, mechanism of injury, and use of protective equipment. Frequency, incidence, and nature of catastrophic injuries and fatalities among rodeo participants. The incidence rate of catastrophic injury from 1989 to 2009 was 9.45 per 100 000 (49/518 286). The incidence rate of catastrophic injury during the 2007-2009 study period was 19.81 per 100 000 (19/95 892). The incidence rate of fatality from 1989 to 2009 was 4.05 per 100 000 (21/518 286). The incidence rate of fatality for the 2007-2009 study period was 7.29 per 100 000 (7/95 892). Thoracic compression mechanisms of injury are most pervasive and likely to be fatal in rodeo and bull riding. It is unknown whether rodeo protective vests have a protective effect in reducing catastrophic and fatal injuries. On the contrary, helmet use in bull riding and rodeo events seems to have a protective effect in reducing both catastrophic injury and fatality.