Injuries associated with horseback riding - United States, 1987 and 1988

Article Abstract:

Serious injuries associated with riding horses occur more often than injuries to motorcyclists and automobile racers. An estimated 30 million people ride horses each year. The National Electronic Injury Surveillance system is a program that records injuries based on emergency-room records. In 1987 and 1988, approximately 92,763 emergency room visits involved injuries due to horseback riding, with the greatest number among people aged 25 to 44. However, injury rates were highest for 5 to 24-year-olds. The most common diagnosis was soft tissue injury, such as cuts, bruises, or scrapes. Fractures, dislocations, sprains, and concussions, were also often reported. The single most common fracture was to the arm. Approximately 10 percent of the injured required hospitalization, most commonly with fractures or dislocations (55.1 percent) and concussions (17.2 percent). Statistics on mortality associated with this sport are unavailable, but records from 27 states for 1976 to 1987 indicated that there were 205 such deaths. Head injuries were responsible for more than 60 percent of these. Few riders wear proper protective helmets, recommendations for which have been made by medical and trade organizations. Riders should also wear properly fitting boots with heels and nonskid gloves, and should properly maintain their equipment. Horse safety courses can be taken and improvement of riding skills can also reduce the accident rate. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Safety and security measures, Horsemanship

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Serious eye injuries associated with fireworks - United States, 1990-1994

Article Abstract:

Independence Day celebrants should attend public fireworks displays, instead of setting off their own. Fireworks, especially bottle rockets, are causing severe eye injuries. The United States Eye Injury Registry (USEIR) reports that 58% of eye injuries related to fireworks are caused by bottle rockets that malfunction or are misused. A total of 4,575 serious eye injuries were reported from July 1990 to December 1994. Of the 274 injuries due to fireworks, 219 occurred during the Independence Day holiday. Blindness often results from these injuries. An overwhelming majority of those injured were young males and nearly half were bystanders.

Health aspects, Eye, Eye injuries, Fireworks

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Jockey Injuries in the United States

Article Abstract:

Jockeys have a high injury rate and many injuries occur in the starting gate. In a survey of about 2,700 jockeys, 6,545 injuries occurred during official races at US professional racing facilities between 1993 and 1996. The most frequent sites of injury were the head and neck, leg, foot, ankle, back, arm, hand, and shoulder. Thirty-five percent of the injuries occurred when the horse and jockey were entering, within, or leaving the starting gate. Being thrown from the horse caused most of the head injuries, 55% of the back injuries and 50% of the chest injuries.

Statistical Data Included, Wounds and injuries, Jockeys, Sports injuries

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