BODYSURFING INJURIES OF THE SPINAL-CORD

In a group of 104 patients paralysed as a result of injury while swimm ing or diving, 3 patients were identified in whom the injury was susta ined during bodysurfing. The mechanism of the injury and the clinical and radiological findings in this group differ markedly from the findi ngs in the 101 patients paralysed after diving into shallow water. The 3 patients were significantly older with a mean age of 46 years. No f racture or dislocation of the cervical spine was present, but evidence of osteo-arthrosis was present in all cases. The pattern of spinal co rd injury was that of incomplete paralysis consistent with the central cord syndrome. This combination of findings suggests that the mechani sm of injury was forced hyperextension of the head and neck due to the surfers having been caught up in turbulent wave action and driven int o the sandy sea bottom.