RUGBY INJURIES TO THE CERVICAL-SPINE AND SPINAL-CORD - A 10-YEAR REVIEW

A 10-year review (1987-1996) of injuries sustained to the spine and sp inal cord in rugby players with resultant paralysis has been undertake n. This article reviews that the incidence of serious rugby spine and spinal cord injuries in South Africa has increased over the 10-year pe riod reviewed, despite stringent new rules instituted in an attempt to decrease the incidence of these injuries. The mechanisms of injury, a s previously reported, remain the same as well as the phases of game r esponsible for injury of the tight serum, tackle, rucks, and mauls. Tw o new observations are reported: the first is related to the occurrenc e of spinal cord concussion with transient paralysis, and the second i s related to the increased incidence of osteoarthritis of the cervical spine in rugby players.