COMPARRISON OF ACUTE SPINAL CORD AND VERTEBRAL BODY INJURIES FOR REGISTERED AND UNREGISTERED RIDERS IN EQUESTRAIN SPORTS IN THE REPULIC OF IRELAND

Abstract

Horse riding is a popular competitive sport and leisure pursuit worldwide. Previous research has highlighted the unpredictable and independent nature of horses and high injury risk inherent in travelling at speeds of up to 65kph, 3-metres above the ground on an animal weighing between 450–500kg. In Ireland, jockeys register with the Turf Club as either professional or amateur with the remaining riders participating as unregistered.

The aim of this study is to determine the national incidence of acute spinal cord injury (ASCI) and vertebral body injury (VBI) in horse riding in the Republic of Ireland, and to compare and contrast injury characteristics in registered and unregistered riders over an 11-year period (1995–2005).

Chart review and structured telephone interview was performed in all cases to determine mechanism of injury, discipline, protective equipment, immediate management and whether the rider considered the injury could be prevented. American Spinal Injuries Association (ASIA) impairment score was used to classify outcome. Data for injuries sustained in competitive racing, for both registered and unregistered riders, was correlated with Irish Turf Club race records to ensure accuracy.

Results: Sixteen cases of ASCI and 46 of VBI were identified over the study period (Table 1). Over the study period, there was a mean annual incidence of 1.5 (1 to 4) ASCI and 4 VBI (0 to 7). Cervical injuries were significantly more likely to result in ASCI (n=14 (52%), p=0.004) than either thoracic or lumbar injuries. Riders who had an ASCI spent more days in hospital (p=0.007); were less likely to have had a previous riding injury (p= 0.046); and following injury, less likely to return to horse riding at any level (p= 0.033). Seven ASCI (44%) and ten VBI (22%) patients were managed operatively. Three ASCI (19%) and 4 VBI (9%) occurred in registered riders. A fall in flight jumping was the commonest injury pattern (32%) overall, with 60% of ASCI and 26% of VBI by this mechanism occurring in registered riders. Overall, only 19% of riders report wearing a back protector at the time of injury. Of these, 30% sustained cervical injury, 17% thoracic injury and 0% lumbar injury. For ASCI riders, final ASIA impairment classification was A= 4, B= 2, D= 4 and E= 5.

Conclusion: Equestrian sports, both for registered and unregistered riders pose substantial risk. Despite greater compliance with wearing of protective equipment, registered riders are at increased risk of sustaining ASCI than unregistered risers. Morbidity is significant following ASCI, with ten riders permanently disabled as a direct result of participation.