The epidemiologic, pathologic, biomechanical, and cinematographic analysis of football-induced cervical spine trauma

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Torg, Joseph S.¹; Vegso, Joseph J.¹; O'Neill, Mary Jane¹; Sennett, Brian¹

The epidemiologic, pathologic, biomechanical, and cinematographic analysis of football-induced cervical spine trauma

Am J Sports Med. January–February 1990;18(1):50-57

©1990 American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine

Affiliations

¹University of Pennsylvania Sports Medicine Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Abstract

Epidemiologic, pathologic, biomechanical, and cinema tographic data on head and neck injuries occurring in tackle football have been compiled since 1971 by the National Football Head and Neck Injury Registry. Pre liminary analysis performed in 1975 indicated that the majority of serious cervical spine football injuries were caused by axial loading. Based on this observation, the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and National Federation of High School Athletic Associa tions (NFHSAA) implemented rule changes banning "spearing" and the use of the top of the helmet as the initial point of contact in striking an opponent during a tackle or block. Between 1976 and 1987, as a result of these rule changes, the Registry has documented a dramatic decrease in both the total number of cervical spine injuries and those resulting in quadriplegia at both the high school and college level. It is suggested that development and implementation of similar preventative measures based on clearly defined injury mechanisms would decrease injury rates in diving, rugby, ice hockey, trampolining, wrestling, and other high-risk sports as well.
Links

DOI: 10.1177/036354659001800109

PubMed: 2301692

WoS: A1990CL47500009

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Cited By (23)

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