TY  - JOUR
PY  - 2009//
TI  - Ten years of major equestrian injury: are we addressing functional outcomes?
JO  - Journal of trauma management and outcomes
A1  - Ball, Jill E.
A1  - Ball, Chad G.
A1  - Mulloy, Robert H.
A1  - Datta, Indraneel
A1  - Kirkpatrick, Andrew W.
SP  - 2
EP  - 2
VL  - 3
IS  - 1
N2  - ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND: Horseback riding is considered more dangerous than motorcycle riding, skiing, automobile racing, football and rugby. The integral role of rehabilitation therapy in the recovery of patients who have sustained a major horse-related injury is previously not described. The goals of this paper were to (1) define the incidence and pattern of severe equestrian trauma, (2) identify the current level of in-patient rehabilitation services, (3) describe functional outcomes for patients, and (4) discuss methods for increasing rehabilitation therapy in this unique population. Methods and results: A retrospective review of the trauma registry at a level 1 center (1995-2005) was completed in conjunction with a patient survey outlining formal in-hospital therapy. Forty-nine percent of patients underwent in-patient rehabilitation therapy. Injuries predictive of receiving therapy included musculoskeletal and spinal cord trauma. Previous injury while horseback riding was predictive of not receiving therapy. The majority (55%) of respondents had chronic physical difficulties following their accident. CONCLUSIONS: Rehabilitation therapy is significantly underutilized following severe equestrian trauma. Increased therapy services should target patients with brain, neck and skull injuries. Improvements in the initial provision, and follow-up of rehabilitation therapy could enhance functional outcomes in the treatment resistant Western equestrian population.<p />  <p>Language: en</p>
LA  - en
SN  - 1752-2897
UR  - http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/1752-2897-3-2
ID  - ref1
ER  -