Citation

Place HM, Ecklund JM, Enzenauer RJ. J. Spinal Disord. 1996; 9(1): 64-67.

Affiliation

Orthopedic Service, Fitzsimons Army Medical Center, Aurora, Colorado 80045-5001, USA.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1996, Lippincott Williams and Wilkins)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

8727458

Abstract

Cervical spine fracture is a rare, yet potentially catastrophic complication associated with boxing. Neurologic deficits, ocular injuries, or other traumatic musculoskeletal injuries have been commonly reported. Symptoms of cervical spine injury may be minimal or absent. Cervical spine fracture may be undiagnosed and unreported in boxers with presumed soft-tissue injury to the head and neck. We describe a young athlete who sustained a transient spinal cord injury while boxing, which required a cervical spine fusion and postoperative immobilization in a halo vest. This athlete also had an os odontoideum, which placed him at significant risk for such an injury. Pre- and postparticipation screening of the cervical spine should be considered in all boxers.

Language: en