Citation

Eckert V, Lockemann U, Püschel K, Meenen NM, Hessler C. Clin. J. Sport. Med. 2011; 21(4): 353-355.

Affiliation

Institute of Legal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany; Department of Paediatric Sport Medicine, Altona Childrens Hospital, Hamburg, Germany; and Department of Neurosurgery, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2011, Canadian Academy of Sport Medicine, Publisher Lippincott Williams and Wilkins)

DOI

10.1097/JSM.0b013e318221840f

PMID

21694587

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:: To analyze horse-related accidents caused by hoof kicks. DESIGN:: Prospective study to evaluate hoof kick-related accidents. SETTING:: Multicenter study, including 9 trauma centers in Hamburg, Germany. PATIENTS:: Patients who were treated as the result of a hoof kick between January 1, 2010 and May 1, 2010 were included in the study. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES:: Horse and rider qualifications, riders' use of protective equipment, location and activity at time of accident, mechanism of injury, injuries sustained, and treatment required for these injuries. RESULTS:: Twenty-four equestrians received hoof kicks. The average age was 22.6 years (range, 7-34 years). All accidents (100%) occurred while the equestrians were handing or grooming the horse. Two riders (8.3%) wore a helmet at time of accident. Sixteen riders (66.7%) suffered orbital, midface, or mandible fractures; 8 riders (33.3%) had injuries on other parts of the body. CONCLUSIONS:: Hoof kick injuries account for a significant proportion of equine injuries and occur when riders are dismounted, most frequently when grooming without wearing protective equipment. Head and facial injuries occur most frequently and suggest that mandatory helmet and facial grill use should be considered during all horse-related activities.

Language: en