Pharmacologic Protocols for Spinal Cord-Injured Athletes

In North America, approximately 10% of acute traumatic spinal cord injury cases result from sport-related events. These injuries lead to significant human disability and societal costs, and despite extensive research to attenuate secondary injury, methylprednisolone remains the only drug in clinical practice. However, several new agents, including minocycline, riluzole, ATI-355, Cethrin, and cell-replacement therapy, currently show great promise in ongoing clinical trials. We have also recognized the importance of supportive care-avoiding hypoxia and supporting the blood pressure. Hypothermia is a long-explored intervention, but it is not currently recommended for clinical use because of the lack of supporting evidence.