90.
Equestrian related trauma cases received at Rigshospitalets
TraumeCenter 2011
Mads Holm Møller, Henrik Grønborg
Department of Orthopedic Surgery & Rigshospitalets TraumeCenter
Rigshospitalet; Department of Orthopedic Surgery & Rigshospitalets
TraumeCenter, Rigshospitalet
Background:
In 2011 a surprisingly high number of traumas due to horse-
related activities presented at Rigshospitalets TraumeCenter (RH-TC).
Purpose / Aim of Study:
The purpose of this study was to elucidate the
patterns of these horse- related injuries and investigate any possible connection
between use of protective devices and severity of injury.
Materials and Methods:
A retrospective study of trauma patients (both
primary and secondary referrals) with equine-related injuries received at RH-
TC in 2011 was performed. Data such as age, gender, type and mechanism of
injury, Injury Severity Score (ISS), surgical interventions and duration of stay
at Rigshospitalet were collected from hospital files. A follow-up interview
(
n=30) with focus on use of protective gear, sick leave and disability was
performed.
Findings / Results:
32
patients (27 females) were received at RH-TC after
horse-related injury. Median age was 25,5 years [7-64]. Most were injured by
falling from a horse (26/32) during recreational activity (27/32). The median
equine experience was 17 years [0-50] and only 5/30 did not wear protective
gear. Median sick leave was 14 days [0-300] and 16/30 still complain about
various disabilities. Most injuries were located to the head, neck & face
(11/40),
spine, extremities (9/40 each) and chest (7/40). Median ISS was 4 [1-
25].
Ten patients had surgery (5 ORIF of fractures, 2 neurosurgical
interventions, 2 chest tubes, 1 splenectomy). Three patients had intracranial
hemorrhage (2 of them wore helmet). None with severe injury to the spine
used a vest for spinal protection.
Conclusions:
Despite common use of helmets severe injury to the head is still
frequent. Protective vests are rarely used and lesions to the spine are frequent
amongst non-users. Horse riding is dangerous and continuous information
regarding preventive use of protective gear is necessary.
