Football (soccer)-related spinal cord injury—reported cases from 1976 to 2020

Spinal Cord Series and Cases, 2020 · DOI: 10.1038/s41394-020-00360-8 · Published: September 26, 2020

Simple Explanation

This study analyzes cases of spinal cord injuries (SCI) related to football (soccer) from 1976 to 2020, finding that younger males are most commonly affected. The most frequent causes of injury include falls, collisions, and heading the ball, with cervical spine injuries and tetraplegia being the most common neurological manifestations. More than half of the individuals with football-related SCI were able to either walk again or return to play after rehabilitation, highlighting the potential for recovery.

Study Duration

44 Years

Participants

14 cases of football-related SCI

Evidence Level

Analysis of reported cases

Key Findings

1
The study identified 14 cases of football-related SCI between 1976 and 2020, predominantly affecting young males with an average age of 19 years.
2
Falls, collisions, and heading the ball were identified as common mechanisms of injury, with the majority of injuries occurring in the cervical region.
3
Over half of the individuals with football-related SCI were able to walk or return to play after rehabilitation, suggesting a potential for recovery.

Research Summary

This study analyzed reported cases of soccer-related spinal cord injuries (SCI) from 1976 to 2020, identifying common mechanisms, affected demographics, and outcomes. The findings indicate that young males are most commonly affected, with falls, collisions, and heading the ball being the primary causes of injury, often resulting in cervical spine injuries and tetraplegia. Despite the severity of these injuries, a significant portion of individuals were able to regain mobility or return to play after rehabilitation, emphasizing the importance of early intervention and comprehensive care.

Practical Implications

Prevention Strategies

The findings highlight the need for targeted prevention strategies, including rule changes, age-specific precautions, and education for players and staff to reduce the incidence of football-related SCI.

Early Identification

Emphasize the importance of early identification of cases with minor or transient symptoms, as well as SCI without positive findings on initial imaging, to ensure timely intervention and prevent further damage.

Rehabilitation and RTP Guidelines

Further studies are required to establish universal return-to-play (RTP) criteria and rehabilitation protocols for football-related SCI, optimizing outcomes and ensuring player safety.

Study Limitations

1
Small case series of reports of the scientiﬁc and gray literature.
2
Lack of uniformity in reporting the characteristics of SCI.
3
Cases do not adequately represent football-related SCI in developing countries.

Your Feedback

Was this summary helpful?

Back to Spinal Cord Injury