Citation

Abdulkarim A, Power FR, Coffey P, Sheehan E. Ir. J. Med. Sci. 2018; ePub(ePub): ePub.

Affiliation

Department of Trauma and Orthopaedic Surgery, Midland Regional Hospital Tullamore, Tullamore, Ireland.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2018, General Publications)

DOI

10.1007/s11845-018-1952-5

PMID

30565052

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The Irish equestrian industry provides over 12,500 full-time jobs and contributes in excess of €454 million to the Irish exchequer annually. For such a vital industry, there is a dearth of information relating to equestrian-associated injuries. AIMS: The aim of this study was to determine the demographics, characteristics and outcomes of equestrian-related injuries presenting to the emergency department of a regional trauma centre in Ireland over the course of 1 year.

METHODS: Retrospective analysis of all 30,700 presentations to the Emergency Department of the Midland Regional Hospital Tullamore in 2013 was performed to identify specifically equestrian-related presentations. Patient demographics, mechanism of injury, radiology results, management and follow-up data were collected and analysed using Microsoft Excel software.

RESULTS: A total of 149 equestrian-related presentations were identified during the study period. There were significantly more females involved in equestrian injuries than males (58 vs 42%). Falling from a horse contributed to significantly more presentations and admissions than any other cause. Thirty-six percent of presentations were associated with a radiological abnormality. Types of injuries identified included skeletal fractures (27.5%), joint dislocation/subluxation (5%), concussion (7%) and splenic laceration/intraperitoneal haemorrhage (1%). Admission to the unit or transfer to tertiary care was required for 18% of the equestrian injuries. Only 43% of presentations were discharged back to primary care from the emergency department.

CONCLUSION: This study identifies a high incidence of morbidities associated with equestrian presentations. In addition, we recognised populations at risk of specific injuries and describe high-risk mechanisms of injury.

Language: en

Keywords

Emergency department; Equestrian; Mechanism; Orthopaedics