Amputations and Avulsion Injuries due to Human/Equine Interaction

Abstract

Introduction

Amputations and avulsion injuries due to horse-associated activity are rare, yet they can result in significant impairment. The purpose of this study was to further investigate such injuries using a national emergency department database.

Methods

The US National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS) was used to identify horse-associated amputation and avulsion injuries occurring between 2000–2023. Demographic data of age, sex, and injury details were collected.

Results

There were 34,091 emergency department visits for equine-associated injuries, with 120 (0.35%) due to amputations/avulsions; 53 (44%) patients sustained amputations, and 67 patients (56%) sustained avulsions. The average age was 37 (SD = 21 years). There were 78 female and 42 male patients. The most common mechanism of injury was riding the horse, with further details not specified (31%), followed by equipment issues (19%), bucked/thrown/kicked off the horse (15%), falling off the horse (11%), and others (6%). A rope/chain was involved in 29 patients (24%). There were 55 amputations involving the finger (40), thumb (13), and others (2). Rope-related injuries were more commonly involved in those sustaining amputations versus avulsions (42% vs 10%, P < .001). Males had more rope-associated injuries (36% vs 18%, P = .043).

Conclusions

This is the largest study to date of amputations and/or avulsions due to horse-associated injuries. There were multiple mechanisms of injury, with ropes involved in one-quarter. This baseline data can be useful for evaluating the effectiveness of future prevention programs.