title: Spinal and spinal cord injuries in horse riding: the New South Wales experience 1976-1996.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The objective of the present study was to determine the incidence of acute spinal cord injuries (ASCI) in all forms of horse riding in New South Wales (NSW) for the period 1976-1996. Other aims of the present study were to compare and contrast ASCI with vertebral column injuries (VCI) without neurological damage and to define appropriate safety measures in relation to spinal injury in horse-riding.
  
  
  METHODS
  A retrospective review was done of all ASCI cases (n = 32) admitted to the two acute spinal cord injury units in NSW for the cited period. A comparable review of VCI cases (n = 30) admitted to these centres for the period 1987-1995 was also undertaken.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A fall in flight was the commonest mode of injury in both groups. Occupational and leisure riding accounted for 88% of ASCI and VCI. The incidence of ASCI is very low in those riding under the aegis of the Equestrian Federation of Australia - two cases in 21 years; and there were no cases in the Pony Club Riders or in Riding for the Disabled. The difference in the spinal damage caused by ASCI and VCI is in degree rather than kind. Associated appendicular/visceral injuries were common.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  No measures were defined to improve spinal safety in any form of horse riding. The possible role of body protectors warrants formal evaluation. Continued safety education for all horse riders is strongly recommended.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatic Surgery, the Royal North Shore Hospital, the University of Sydney, Little Bay, New South Wales, Australia.
authors.forename: Justin P
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Roe
authors.forename: Thomas K F
authors.initials: TK
authors.lastname: Taylor
authors.forename: Ian A
authors.initials: IA
authors.lastname: Edmunds
authors.forename: Robert G
authors.initials: RG
authors.lastname: Cumming
authors.forename: Stephen J
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: Ruff
authors.forename: Meg D
authors.initials: MD
authors.lastname: Plunkett-Cole
authors.forename: Marje
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Mikk
authors.forename: Richard F
authors.initials: RF
authors.lastname: Jones
mesh_terms: D000208:Acute Disease; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D017677:Age Distribution; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000818:Animals; D001265:Athletic Injuries / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D005260:Female; D006736:Horses; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009517:New South Wales / Q000453:epidemiology; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D017678:Sex Distribution; D013119:Spinal Cord Injuries / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D013124:Spinal Injuries / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D013997:Time Factors; D015599:Trauma Severity Indices