Citation

Patel PD, Divi SN, Canseco JA, Donnally CJ, Galetta M, Vaccaro AJ, Schroeder GD, Hsu WK, Hecht AC, Dossett AB, Dhanota AS, Prasad SK, Vaccaro AR. Clin. Spine Surg. 2021; ePub(ePub): ePub.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2021, Wolters Kluwer)

DOI

10.1097/BSD.0000000000001148

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Sports-related acute cervical trauma and spinal cord injury (SCI) represent a rare but devastating potential complication of collision sport injuries. Currently, there is debate on appropriate management protocols and return-to-play guidelines in professional collision athletes following cervical trauma. While cervical muscle strains and sprains are among the most common injuries sustained by collision athletes, the life-changing effects of severe neurological sequelae (ie, quadriplegia and paraplegia) from fractures and SCIs require increased attention and care. Appropriate on-field management and subsequent transfer/workup at an experienced trauma/SCI center is necessary for optimal patient care, prevention of injury exacerbation, and improvement in outcomes. This review discusses the epidemiology, pathophysiology, clinical presentation, immediate/long-term management, and current return-to-play recommendations of athletes who suffer cervical trauma and SCI.

Language: en