The thought of horseback riding might evoke images of carefree, wind-in-the-hair gallops across plains and beaches—or perhaps of jockeys vying for the finish as they loop around the racetrack. But horseback riding is a dangerous sport, and injuries from horseback riding and being around horses are thoroughly documented. These researchers wanted to learn more about maxillofacial injuries in particular, which are injuries affecting the face and upper jaw.

What the researchers wanted to know: What patterns are there in injuries to the face caused by horses?

What they did: The researchers got detailed information on every case of horse-related maxillofacial injury that had been brought to Legacy Emanuel Hospital in Oregon over five consecutive years, which totaled to 62 patients. After getting data on age, gender, and date of accident, the researchers classified each injury according to type, cause, and which part of the face was affected. They also noted circumstances surrounding the accident: Was it related to recreation, competition, or work? Had the patient been wearing any protective gear? Using statistical analysis of the data, they compiled a summary of their findings.

What they found: The most common cause of injury was falling from the horse, accounting for 45 percent of the injuries, with injury from being kicked following at 35 percent. However, kicks usually resulted in more serious injury to the face than falling from the horse. Of the patients who had worn helmets—all were in competitions, most as jockeys at a nearby track—none suffered fractures, the most serious type of injury. But helmets didn't protect the face from injury. None of the recreational riders had been wearing helmets, and they amounted to the vast majority (85 percent) of patients. Most of the patients were female, and 17 were 12 or younger.

What it means to you: Helmets are a great way to decrease the impact of accidents.

Caveats: It's a small observational study, so you can't tell whether some people are more likely to be injured than others.

Find out more: Tips on buying a helmet: http://www.equisearch.com/shop/eqheadgear118/

Read the article: Ueeck, B.A., Dierks, E.J., Homer, L.D., and B. Potter. Patterns of Maxillofacial Injuries Related to Interaction With Horses. Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. June 2004, Vol. 62, No. 6, pp. 693–696.