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The aim of the study was to identify the mechanisms and spectrum of injuries sustained to the head and face in surfboard riders, requiring presentation to an emergency department. A retrospective case series was undertaken from January 2008 to April 2012 at a tertiary hospital on the North Shore of Sydney. Twenty-nine patients were included, 26 with acute injuries and 3 with chronic pathologies. Fifteen patients (58%) had been struck in the head by their own board – 9 (60%) suffered facial bone fractures. Contact with the surfboard was the cause of facial bone fracture in 100% of cases. One patient struck by their own board ruptured their globe. Chronic/progressive deafness was the indication for undertaking imaging in three patients. Hundred percent had bilateral exostoses of the external auditory canal (surfers ear). Head and facial injuries are a significant and potential risk of surfboard riding. It is envisaged that greater knowledge of the spectrum and mechanisms of injuries sustained by surfers will drive surfboard and surfing accessory design and increase public awareness to minimise the risk of injury in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Advances in our understanding of genetic and rare diseases are changing the face of healthcare. Crucially, the global community must implement these advances equitably to reduce health disparities, including between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples. We take an Australian perspective to illustrate some key areas that are fundamental to the equitable translation of new knowledge for the improved diagnosis of genetic and rare diseases for Indigenous people. Specifically, we focus on inequalities in access to clinical genetics services and the lack of genetic and phenomic reference data to inform diagnoses. We provide examples of ways in which these inequities are being addressed through Australian partnerships to support a harmonious and inclusive approach to ensure that benefits from traditional wisdom, community knowledge and shared experiences are interwoven to support and inform implementation of new knowledge from genomics and precision public health. This will serve to deliver benefits to all of our diverse citizens, including Indigenous populations.