Document Detail


A retrospective study of cervical spine injuries in American rugby, 1970 to 1994.
MedLine Citation:
PMID:  8827303     Owner:  NLM     Status:  MEDLINE    
Abstract/OtherAbstract:
We undertook a retrospective study to document and analyze the occurrence of cervical spinal injuries in rugby in the United States from 1970 to 1994. We studied 59 cases (average, 2.36 per year). Thirty junior-level players (50.8%) (college or high school), 28 (47.5%) men's club players, and 1 (1.7%) woman player were injured. Fifty-seven injuries (97%) occurred during games. The incidence of cervical spine injuries is well documented in the United Kingdom and South African literature. However, no study in United States literature discusses the incidence or cause of cervical spine injury in rugby. We found that coaching is less consistent in the United States. Players with more weight and less experience are playing positions that require significant skill. Many players in the United States learn skills in games rather than in practice. In our study, 52.5% (31 of 59) of the injured players were junior-level players. Conversely, in world competition junior-level athletes sustained only 30% to 40% of the cervical spine injuries. Understanding the factors that contribute to cervical spine injuries is paramount in injury prevention. Through this study, we hope to promote change in rugby laws and regulations, as has been done in football, to enhance the safety and pleasure of the sport for players, coaches, and spectators.
Authors:
M J Wetzler; T Akpata; T Albert; T E Foster; A S Levy
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Publication Detail:
Type:  Journal Article    
Journal Detail:
Title:  The American journal of sports medicine     Volume:  24     ISSN:  0363-5465     ISO Abbreviation:  Am J Sports Med     Publication Date:    1996 Jul-Aug
Date Detail:
Created Date:  1996-12-10     Completed Date:  1996-12-10     Revised Date:  2004-11-17    
Medline Journal Info:
Nlm Unique ID:  7609541     Medline TA:  Am J Sports Med     Country:  UNITED STATES    
Other Details:
Languages:  eng     Pagination:  454-8     Citation Subset:  IM    
Affiliation:
American Orthopaedic Rugby Football Association, Washington Crossing, Pennsylvania, USA.
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MeSH Terms
Descriptor/Qualifier:
Adolescent
Adult
Athletic Injuries / epidemiology*
Cervical Vertebrae / injuries*
Female
Humans
Male
Prevalence
Retrospective Studies
United States / epidemiology

From MEDLINE®/PubMed®, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine


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