Motorcycle and Equestrian Trauma: An ACS TQIP Comparative Study

BACKGROUND: Motorcycle and equestrian accidents can share similar trauma mechanisms and can result in serious injuries. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to analyze variations in injuries and safety standards through types, severity, and outcomes of traumatic injuries in both motorcycle and equestrian riders. METHODS: Using the 2020 ACS TQIP database, we split patients into two groups based on their primary injury. We chose codes V28 and V80.0 to identify non-collision fall or throw injuries for motorcycle and equestrian accidents respectively. A total of 17,730 motorcycle and 5,461 equestrian patients were identified. RESULTS: Motorcyclists were more likely to experience external/superficial injuries (41.34% vs. 29.08%, p < .001) and chest trauma (5.15% vs. 3.18%, p < .001), while equestrian trauma resulted in more injuries to the abdomen and pelvic content (24.07% vs. 15.75%, p < .001), extremities and pelvic girdle (9.85% vs. 4.98%, p < .001), and head/neck (15.57% vs. 12.16%, p < .001) comparatively. Motorcyclists also had a higher average length of inpatient stay (6.06 (8.03) vs. 4.32 (4.23) days, p < .001). Helmet use was more common among motorcyclists than horseback riders (57.79% vs. 24.24%, p < .001). The average injury severity score between the two groups was not significantly different. CONCLUSION: These data show the different injuries observed between both activities and the need for increased safety equipment, especially in the case of hip and pelvic injuries among equestrians. The low rate of helmet, especially among equestrian riders, is concerning despite broad education regarding their benefits.