A RETROSPECTIVE STUDY OF CERVICAL-SPINE INJURIES IN AMERICAN RUGBY, 1970 TO 1994

We undertook a retrospective study to document and analyze the occurre nce of cervical spinal injuries in rugby in the United States from 197 0 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 incidenc e or cause of cervical spine injury in rugby. We found that coaching i s less consistent in the United States. Players with more weight and l ess experience are playing positions that require significant skill. M any 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 j unior-level players. Conversely, in world competition junior-level ath letes sustained only 30% to 40% of the cervical spine injuries. Unders tanding the factors that contribute to cervical spine injuries is para mount in injury prevention. Through this study, we hope to promote cha nge in rugby laws and regulations, as has been done in football, to en hance the safety and pleasure of the sport for players, coaches, and s pectators.