Der Unfallchirurg
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The upper limb is one of the most frequently injured body regions in equestrian sports, but it is unclear which injuries are involved, and there are no data on the associated accident mechanism. The present study is aimed at evaluating the accident mechanisms, injuries of the upper limbs, and the circumstances of the accident in equestrian sports. We included 218 patients who were all treated between 2006 and 2014 at the level I trauma center at the Medical University in Hannover because of equestrian-related accidents. ⋯ To prevent hand injuries it is recommended that gloves are worn; the potential introduction of strengthened materials could protect the bones from severe bumping. Training in falling techniques to prevent serious injury to the upper limb would be useful. In general, primary prevention in equestrian sports should be extended to counteract the increasing neglect of protective equipment.