Abstract
The Mater Hospital is Ireland’s primary referral centre for spinal injuries receiving 80–90% of all spinal cases annually. In today’s society the number of people competing at more competitive and professional levels is also increasing. Over the years, a lot of work has gone into safety precautions in sport. However despite those improvements our impression was that the incidence of both minor and serious sporting injuries is increasing.
The purpose of this study was to determine the incidence, pattern and mechanism of sports-related spinal injuries in Ireland over the last decade.
Data was collected by performing an audit of the National Spinal Injuries Database from 1994–2001. This database is a prospective computerized database. Data entered relates to the initial presentation, mechanism, level of injury and their acute in-hospital management.
On average 200–220 patients are admitted annually to the National Injuries Spinal Unit. 173 of these were related to sport, which represented 13% of total spinal injuries. 80% are male under 40 years. 29% sustained neurological deficit. The sports responsible for most spinal injuries in Ireland were equestrian (43.8%), followed by rugby (16.4%), diving (15%), GAA (13.6%) and skiing (3%). Rugby injuries were most likely to cause neurological damage. Equestrian accidents commonly caused thoracolumbar fractures while injuries sustained in diving, rugby and GAA were mostly to the cervical spine.
Sport is an important cause of spinal injuries in Ire-land. Coaches and team doctors must be educated about safe practices and emergency management of these terrible injuries and for those unfortunately affected in the prime of their lives adequate rehabilitation resources need to be implemented so as to lessen their economic burden.
The abstracts were prepared by Mr Richard Buxton. Correspondence should be addressed to him at Bankton Cottage, 21 Bankton Park, Kingskettle, Cupar, Fife KY15 7PY, United Kingdom
