A Retrospective Cohort Study of Traumatic Brain Injury and Usage of Protective Headgear During Equestrian Activities

Abstract

Some of the more popular sporting activities for those living in rural areas include equestrian activities such as rodeo events and horseback riding. The lack of helmet use poses a concern for those who participate in these activities due to the risk of sustaining a traumatic brain injury (TBI) and ultimately having a negative effect on their future. A retrospective cohort study was conducted at a trauma center comparing the data on animal-riding patients and their use or lack of use of headgear and incidence of TBI. Of the patients identified, 16.2% sustained a head injury, ranking TBI fourth among all injuries sustained by the animal-riding population. Males were predominantly affected; however, females of pediatric age 5–17 years (54.5%) ranked high among the TBI population. Among all the patients identified with TBI, none of the patients were wearing a helmet and all sustained a head injury. The average injury severity score was 11, with hospital length of stay averaging less than 2 days and the overall mortality was 3.6%. Findings from the study should be considered for the purpose of implementing an age-specific educational program focused on head injury prevention and utilization of protective headgear. Current literature supports the use of protective headgear to reduce the risk of head injuries. Animal riders should be educated on the importance of using headgear as a preventive measure. Future studies are needed to indicate the effectiveness of injury prevention in regard to head injury severity and the use of protective headgear.

A retrospective study of helmet use and head injury in severe equestrian trauma

“…The findings of this study contrast those of other investigations. Lemoine et al [13] reported that helmet use was associated with decreased ISS, concussion and TBI, however, did so without a statistical comparison between groups by helmet use -the study examined only individuals who were not wearing a helmet and excluded those who did. Short et al [21] aconducted a study of helmet use in pediatric cases and found differences in ISS, TBI, and ICU admission.…”

“…Lemoine et al . [ 13 ] reported that helmet use was associated with decreased ISS, concussion and TBI, however, did so without a statistical comparison between groups by helmet use – the study examined only individuals who were not wearing a helmet and excluded those who did. Short et al .…”

“…Helmets are uncomfortable, reduce visibility, impair hearing, do not offer the sun or rain protection of a traditional cowboy hat, or are simply unconventional. [ 10 ] Regulations mandating helmets generally only apply to youth [ 11 - 13 ] or are optional for adults. [ 11 , 14 - 16 ] Absent from these guidelines is recommendations for helmet type and quality.…”

Les fractures du col du radius par accident d’équitation chez l’enfant : une étude comparative

“…Il y avait également nécessité de plus de rééducation chez les enfants du groupe 1, entrainant un surcoût dans la prise en charge globale du malade. L'existence de protections obligatoires lors de la pratique de l'équitation tels que les casques ou les bombes d'équitation ont permis de réduire la sévérité des traumatismes crâniens [22,23]. Similairement, afin de diminuer l'incidence et la gravité des lésions rachidiennes, l'utilisation systématique de vestes de protection est à l'étude [24].…”