Predictors of the injury pattern and injury severity using the example of equine-related accidents

Horse riding is a popular sport, which carries the risk for serious injures. Particularly women and underage individuals pursue this sport and comprise a major share in equestrian accidents. Thus they were often defined as groups of risk in equestrian sports. The factors affecting the injury severity are complex and were not studied in detail before. This study aimed to analyse the equine-related accidents presented to the Department of Trauma Surgery, Orthopaedics and Plastic Surgery at the University Medical Centre Goettingen between 01/01/2004 and 04/01/2014. Multiple logistic regression was used to identify risk factors for serious injuries. Serious injures were defined by the therapy course (e.g. being treated at the Intensive Care Unit). 1387 equine-related accidents were analysed. The accident rate increased over the years. 86% patients were female, 14% were male. Females were on average 12.8 years younger than males (significant). The two major injury mechanisms were falls off the horse (62%) and being kicked by the horse (19%). Fractures were the main type of injuries (31%). They were mainly located at the head and upper limb. 33% of the patients had injuries to the head, 24% injuries to the trunk, 18% to the spine, 22% to the upper limb and 23% to the lower limb. About half of the patients were hospitalized (48%). 44% of those patients were undergoing surgery and 16% were treated at an Intensive or Intermediate Care Ward. Males and patients of higher age were defined as groups of risk for serious injuries. Falling off the horse as well as being kicked by the horse were associated with a comparable risk for serious injuries. Comparing the injury pattern injuries to the head lead to the highest risk for a serious outcome. In conclusion also men and individuals of higher age should be included in injury prevention campaigns. A re-assessment in prevention questions is necessary. This could offer the chance for an improvement of injury prevention. 2017-12-2