• Amy S Acton, Christopher E Gaw, Thitphalak Chounthirath, and Gary A Smith.
• Center for Injury Research and Policy, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, United States of America; The Columbus Foundation, Columbus, OH, United States of America.
• Am J Emerg Med. 2020 Jun 1; 38 (6): 1062-1068.

BackgroundHorse-related injuries can cause severe morbidity and mortality. The objective of this study is to investigate the epidemiological features of horse-related injuries treated in emergency departments (EDs) in the United States.MethodsA retrospective analysis of horse-related injuries from 1990 through 2017 was conducted utilizing the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS). Cases were identified using the NEISS code 1239 (Horseback Riding: Activity, Apparel, or Equipment). Analyses performed included calculation of national injury estimates, relative risks (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs), and linear regression.ResultsFrom 1990 through 2017, an estimated 1,836,536 (95% CI: 1,494,788-2,178,284) individuals presented to United States EDs with horse-related injuries. The annual injury rate decreased by 30.8% from 1990 to 1996, increased by 33.0% from 1996 to 2000, and then decreased by 46.0% from 2000 to 2017. Among older adults >60 years of age, the annual injury rate increased by 139.6% during the study period. The number of concussion and closed head injury diagnoses increased by 337.2% from 1990 to 2009. The most common mounted mechanism of injury was a fall or being thrown (73.9%), while the most common unmounted mechanism was being kicked (42.1%). Mounted injuries were more likely to lead to hospitalization than unmounted injuries (RR, 2.10, 95% CI: 1.59-2.77).ConclusionsDespite the recent decline in horse-related injuries, these injuries are still common. Clinicians should be aware of the spectrum of ED presentations of horse-related injuries. Prevention efforts focused on older adults and concussions and closed head injuries warrant special attention.Copyright © 2019 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

28 keywords...

hide…