Equestrian injury prevention efforts need more attention to novice riders.

Background: Equestrian injury is commonly seen at trauma centers and the severity of injury is often high. We sought to determine the risk, incidence, and the influence of skill and experience on injury during horse-related activity (HRA).

Methods: Members of horse clubs and individual equestrians in a three-state region (Oregon, Washington, and Idaho) were recruited via mailings and community advertisements to take a survey regarding their horse contact time and injuries over their entire riding career.

Enterocutaneous fistula and ventral hernia after absorbable mesh prosthesis closure for trauma: the plain truth.

Hypothesis: The severity of abdominal injury is the determining factor for the development of enterocutaneous fistula and ventral hernia after absorbable mesh prosthesis closure (AMPC) for trauma.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of case series that included 140 consecutive trauma patients with AMPC surviving more than 48 hours from October 1, 1989, to March 31, 2000, at a Level I trauma center. The days until abdominal wall reconstruction was used as a measure of exposure of the viscera to the mesh.

Rib fracture pain and disability: can we do better?

Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine the magnitude and duration of pain and disability in patients with rib fractures treated using current standard therapy. This was a prospective case series.

Methods: Injured patients with a chest radiographic diagnosis of one or more rib fractures between June 1, 2001, and October 31, 2001, were asked to participate.