RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Do helmets worn for hurling fail to protect the ear? Identification of an emerging injury pattern
JF British Journal of Sports Medicine
JO Br J Sports Med
FD BMJ Publishing Group Ltd and British Association of Sport and Exercise Medicine
SP 1134
OP 1136
DO 10.1136/bjsports-2012-091280
VO 46
IS 16
A1 James D Martin-Smith
A1 Jeffery C Y Chan
A1 Kieran T Power
A1 Paddy J Crowley
A1 Anthony James P Clover
YR 2012
UL http://bjsm.bmj.com/content/46/16/1134.abstract
AB Hurling is an Irish national game of stick and ball known for its ferocity, played by 190 000 players. Facial injuries were common but have been significantly reduced by legislation enforcing compulsory helmet wearing. Current standard helmets worn by hurlers do not offer protection to the external ear. Here we describe an emerging pattern of ear injuries and demonstrate the risk of external ear injuries in hurlers complying with current helmet safety standards. A 6-month retrospective analysis was carried out of patients attending Cork University Hospital (CUH) with ear lacerations sustained while hurling. Patient notes were reviewed and helmet manufacturers were interviewed. Seven patients were identified, all of whom sustained complex through ear lacerations while wearing helmets complying with current safety standards. Current helmet design fails to protect the external ear placing it at an increased risk of injury, a potential solution is to include ear protection in the helmet design.