Traumatic injuries in polo players

To determine the frequency of traumatic injuries in polo players in England.

The survey included data on body location and reason for injury derived from accident reports using a retrospective cohort design from 26 participating English polo clubs between the years 2018 and 2024.

The study population included injuries in 236 polo players. The most common injury site was the limb (arm, hand, leg, wrist, shoulder) 47.9% (95% CI: 41.4-54.5), and face or head 38.6% (95% CI: 32.3-45.1), of which 12.1% (95% CI: 6.2-20.6) affected the eyes. The most common reason to require hospital treatment was injury sustained to the eyes, 45.5% (95% CI: 16.7-76.6), followed by limb 36.9% (95% CI: 27.6-47.0), and face or head 35.4% (95% CI: 23.9-48.2) (proportional difference P = .006). The most common sites to suffer an injury by the ball or stick and require hospital treatment were the head or face, 38.1% (95% CI: 23.6-54.4), eyes, 37.5% (95% CI: 8.5-75.5), and limb, 19.2% (95% CI: 9.6-32.5) (proportional difference P ≤ .001). The most common injury requiring hospital treatment that involved the horse was to the eyes, 66.7% (95% CI: 1.0-91.0). There was a significant proportional difference for eye injuries caused by the horse requiring hospital treatment compared to face/head (57.7%, 95% CI: 28.8-86.6, P < .001) or limb injuries (58.9%, 95% CI: 30.3-87.7, P < .001).

Traumatic injury to the eyes while playing polo is the most common reason for requiring hospital treatment. As the head is already protected by mandating helmet use, we now advise similar regulation for eye protection by directing the wearing of sports glasses, goggles, or face guards. Key messages What is already known on this topic: Polo is regarded as a high-risk sport, which may result in traumatic injuries, the most serious affecting the head. Wearing of helmets is required during play to reduce this risk. What this study adds: Traumatic eye injuries during play are common and sustained from either the stick, ball, or fall from the horse. While the head is reasonably protected with helmets, injuries to the eyes while playing polo are the most common reason for requiring hospital treatment. How this study might affect research, practice or policy: As helmets are already mandated while playing polo, we now advocate the compulsory use of eye protection (sports glasses, goggles or face guards) for all polo players.