Inversion Table Fall Injury, the Phantom Menace: Three Case Reports on Cervical Spinal Cord Injury

Healthcare, 2021 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare9050492 · Published: April 22, 2021

Spinal Cord Injury Trauma Rehabilitation

Simple Explanation

Inversion tables, used for traction therapy, have become common in South Korea. However, falls from these tables can cause severe spinal injuries. This study reviews three cases of spinal cord injury resulting from inversion table falls in different settings, highlighting the potential dangers of these devices. The injuries occurred because the patients' feet slipped while hanging upside down, leading to head trauma and cervical spine damage.

Study Duration

2015 to 2019

Participants

Three patients with cervical spinal cord injuries

Evidence Level

Case Report

Key Findings

1
Inversion table falls can result in complete or incomplete cervical spinal cord injuries, leading to tetraplegia.
2
The mechanism of injury often involves the feet slipping, causing the user to fall and hit their head, resulting in cervical spine trauma.
3
Publicly available inversion tables with single-pin ankle lock designs may pose a higher risk due to the lack of additional safety features.

Research Summary

This case series highlights the danger of inversion table devices, which are widely used in South Korea for exercise and to relieve lower back pain. Three cases of cervical spinal cord injuries resulting from inversion table falls are presented, with accidents occurring in various locations such as homes, outdoor exercise equipment, and hiking trails. The authors suggest modifications to inversion table designs and usage guidelines to improve safety and prevent future injuries, such as adding straps and limiting usage time.

Practical Implications

Design Modifications

Incorporate safety straps and head supports in inversion table designs to minimize the risk of falls.

Usage Guidelines

Limit the duration of inversion table use and recommend recovery periods between trials to prevent muscle fatigue and falls.

Public Awareness

Educate the public, especially aged or obese female users, about the potential dangers associated with inversion tables.

Study Limitations

1
Small sample size (three cases).
2
Lack of specific surface type documentation where falls occurred.
3
The study did not investigate the correlation between obesity, gender, or age and the risk of inversion table falls.

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