Epidemiology of Spinal Injuries in Sports

Supraphysiological stresses placed on the spine during sporting activity can lead to various spinal injuries, ranging from a simple sprain or strain of the musculoligamentous structures surrounding the spine to a cervical fracture dislocation with complete spinal cord injury. Collision sports, such as football, are responsible for the vast majority of catastrophic spinal injuries. Gymnastics and other sports that require repetitive hyperextension at the waist have been associated with isthmic spondylolysis. This article reviews the epidemiology of spinal injuries associated with various sports, with a specific focus on spinal cord injury.