Injuries to polo riders: a prospective evaluation

Objective-To assess prospectively the incidence, nature, and severity of in juries to polo riders competing in the 1996 Argentine High Polo season. Methods-Assessment, documentation, and provision of care for all injuries s ustained during the 1996 season by one of the authors. Riders were also sur veyed retrospectively for their previous polo injuries. Results-34 riders took part in the study. Nine injuries were sustained pros pectively and 55 injuries were reviewed retrospectively (64 total). The inj uries were categorised as minor (10), moderate (13), and major (41). Twenty five (39%) injuries occurred in the arms, 20 (31%) in the legs, 12 (19%) i n the head, 3 (5%) in the back, and 4 (6%) in the face. A fracture occurred in 25 (39%) injuries as most resulted from a fall from the horse. Addition ally, facial lacerations occurred prospectively in five riders but did not result in missed play. An overall injury rate of 7.8/1000 player-game hours was calculated. Conclusions-Although many sports have injury rates much greater than 8/1000 player-game hours, the severity of most injuries occurring in polo was cla ssified as major, with fractures and facial lacerations common. The use of a helmet with a face protector is recommended to decrease injury to players . A doctor experienced in the management of serious trauma should be presen t at all polo matches.