Maxillofacial fractures sustained by unmounted equestrians

Area of Science:

• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
• Trauma Surgery
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Facial injuries from horses are common in riders.
• Limited data exists on maxillofacial fractures in unmounted individuals involved with horses.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the characteristics, fracture sites, injury mechanisms, and treatments of equine-related facial fractures.
• To investigate injuries sustained by unmounted individuals.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of patient records from Christchurch Hospital (1996-2008).
• Data collected on patient demographics, fracture locations, injury causes, and treatment.
• Analysis of 49 cases of equine-related facial fractures.

Main Results:

• 71% of fractures occurred in unmounted individuals (35 patients).
• Most injuries affected women (66%), particularly those aged 16-30 (39%).
• Kicks (69%) were the primary cause, with zygoma (63%) being the most frequent fracture site. Surgical intervention was needed in 60% of cases.

Conclusions:

• Unmounted individuals, especially young women, are at significant risk for equine-related facial fractures.
• Kicks are the leading cause of these injuries, frequently involving the zygoma.
• The incidence of these fractures showed an increasing trend over the study period, highlighting a need for prevention strategies.