Catastrophic football injuries: 1977-1998

THE PRIMARY PURPOSE of this study was to investigate the occurrence of cata strophic football head and spine injuries, in an attempt to reduce their fr equency. We analyzed epidemiological and medical data from 1977 through 199 8. Catastrophic football injuries are defined as football injuries that res ult in death, brain or spinal cord injury, or cranial or spinal fracture. A ll studied cord injuries involved the cervical region. During the period co vered by this study, 118 athletes died as a direct result of participation in the skills of football, 200 football players received a permanent cervic al cord injury, and 66 sustained a permanent cerebral injury. Most cervical injuries occurred to defensive players during the act of tackling. The axi al loading mechanism of spinal cord injury was identified in 27% of tacklin g injuries. To further reduce catastrophic injuries, players must stop tack ling with the head down and using the head as a battering ram; instead, pla yers should use the shoulder for blocking and tackling. Other recommendatio ns for reducing catastrophic injuries are presented.