@article{ref1,
title="Helmet underutilization by children during equestrian events is associated with increased traumatic brain injury",
journal="Journal of pediatric surgery",
year="2018",
author="Short, Scott S. and Fenton, Stephen J. and Scaife, Eric R. and Bucher, Brian T.",
volume="53",
number="3",
pages="545-547",
abstract="PURPOSE: Awareness of equestrian related injury remains limited. Studies evaluating children after equestrian injury report underutilization of safety equipment and rates of operative intervention as high as 33%. <br><br>METHODS: We hypothesized that helmets are underutilized during equestrian activity and lack of use is associated with increased traumatic brain injury. We queried the trauma database of a level one pediatric trauma center for all cases of equestrian and rodeo related injury from 2005 to 2015. Analysis was conducted using SAS 9.4. <br><br>RESULTS: Of 312 children identified, 142 were assessed for use of a helmet. Only 28 children (19.7%) had documented use of a helmet. Most injuries occurred while riding a horse (83%) or bull (13%) with traumatic brain injury being the most common injury (51%). Helmet use was associated with decreased ISS (7.1 vs. 11.3, p<0.01), TBI (32.4% vs. 55.3%, p=0.03), and ICU admission (10.7% vs. 29%, p=0.05). Multivariable analysis reveals lack of helmet use to be an independent predictor of TBI (OR 2.5, 95% CI 1.1-6.3). <br><br>CONCLUSION: Helmets are underutilized by children during equestrian related activity. Increased awareness of TBI and education encouraging helmet use may decrease morbidity associated with equestrian activities. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Retrospective comparative study, Level III.<br><br>Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.<p /> <p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="0022-3468",
doi="10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2017.03.043",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2017.03.043"
}