The Epidemiology, Injury Patterns and Outcomes of Horse-Related Injuries in Israeli Children

Isr Med Assoc J. 2019 Apr;21(4):279-282.

Abstract

Background: Horse riding has become increasingly popular in recent years and is a common activity among children. As a result, pediatric horse-related injuries are frequently encountered in emergency departments.

Objectives: To examine the characteristics of horse-related injuries in the pediatric population.

Methods: We collected and analyzed the data on all pediatric horse-related injuries presented to a tertiary hospital, level one trauma center, during the years 2006-2016.

Results: A total of 53 children with horse-related injuries were documented. Forty-two patients were male (79%) and their mean age was 11.13 ± 4.72 years. The most common mechanism of injury was falling off a horse (31 patients, 58%) and the most common type of injury was skeletal (32 patients, 60%). Head injuries occurred in 16 patients (30%) and facial injuries in 12 (23%). The mean Injury Severity Score (ISS) was 10.5 ± 6.32, and 15 patients (28%) had severe trauma (ISS > 15). Twenty-nine patients (55%) required trauma team intervention, 12 (23%) were admitted to the intensive care unit, and 24 (45%) required surgery. The mean length of hospitalization was 4.3 ± 3.14 days.

Conclusions: Our study suggests that horse-related trauma may involve serious injuries and it exhibits typical injury patterns. Young boys are at highest risk. The potential severity of these injuries merits a thorough evaluation. We suggest that these injuries be triaged appropriately, preferably to a medical facility with proper trauma capabilities.

MeSH terms

  • Abdominal Injuries / epidemiology*
  • Accidental Falls / statistics & numerical data*
  • Age Factors
  • Animals
  • Child
  • Craniocerebral Trauma / epidemiology*
  • Female
  • Fractures, Bone / epidemiology*
  • Horses
  • Hospitalization / statistics & numerical data
  • Humans
  • Injury Severity Score
  • Israel
  • Length of Stay / statistics & numerical data
  • Male
  • Sex Factors
  • Spinal Injuries / epidemiology*
  • Wounds, Nonpenetrating / epidemiology*