RECIDIVISM IN EQUESTRIAN TRAUMA

A 3-year chart survey and questionnaire was conducted of equestrian-in jured patients at a regional trauma center to determine patterns and c onsequences of injury and rate of recidivism. Ninety-two patients (95 encounters) were treated; most were young (mean age, 27 +/- 11 years) women (84%) riders sustaining falls (80%). Most injuries were orthoped ic (47%); 19 per cent of patients required hospital admission. There w as one death. Helmet use was documented in only 34 per cent. Eighty-on e per cent of patients responded to a follow-up telephone survey; 36 p er cent recounted additional accidents (mean, 1.4 +/- 0.5). Mean time lost from work was 3 weeks, with 19 per cent reporting chronic disabil ity. Mean annual hospital charges for the cohort were $88,925.00. Reci divism is common in equestrian trauma. Hospital charges are significan t. Lost time from work is considerable, with one in five patients repo rting long-term disability. Given the cost and disability incurred wit h equestrian trauma, efforts at injury prevention appear warranted.