Demographic patterns in horseback riding head and neck injuries within the United States: A NEISS database study

Abstract

Objective

Our primary objective was to identify and describe demographic trends in head and neck injuries incurred while participating in horseback riding.

Study Design

Cross-sectional analysis.

Setting

National Database.

Methods

Head and neck injuries related to horseback riding over a ten-year period (2014–2023) were analyzed using data from the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS). A total of 3,177 cases were identified. Inclusion criteria encompassed injuries to the head, neck, face, mouth, or ear. Variables included age, gender, injury type, anatomical location, and patient disposition. Chi-squared analyses were employed to compare the aforementioned injury variables.

Results

Among the 3,177 reported injuries of males and females, females (mean age 27.51 years, SD = 19.04) were more likely to be treated and released (83.29 %, n= 2023), while males (mean age 34.65 years, SD = 22.58) were more likely to be hospitalized. There was a significant association between gender and concussion diagnosis (p<.001), with females more likely to be diagnosed with concussions (n = 687) compared to males (n = 129). Females experienced more head and face injuries compared to males. Age distribution varied significantly across disposition categories, indicating different management practices for various age groups. The dataset indicates that the average age of females (27.51 years) is notably lower than that of males (34.65 years), suggesting a younger demographic among females overall.

Conclusions

The study highlights a significant gender disparity in horseback riding-related head and neck injuries, with females more likely to be treated and released and males more often requiring hospitalization.