@article{ref1,
title="The cervical spine of professional front-row rugby players: correlation between degenerative changes and symptoms",
journal="Irish journal of medical science",
year="2010",
author="Hogan, B. A. and Hogan, N. A. and Vos, P. M. and Eustace, S. J. and Kenny, P. J.",
volume="179",
number="2",
pages="259-263",
abstract="BACKGROUND: Injuries to the cervical spine (C-spine) are among the most serious in rugby and are well documented. Front-row players are particularly at risk due to repetitive high-intensity collisions in the scrum. <br><br>AIM: This study evaluates degenerative changes of the C-spine and associated symptomatology in front-row rugby players. <br><br>MATERIALS AND METHODS: C-spine radiographs from 14 professional rugby players and controls were compared. Players averaged 23 years of playing competitive rugby. Two consultant radiologists performed a blind review of radiographs evaluating degeneration of disc spaces and apophyseal joints. Clinical status was assessed using a modified AAOS/NASS/COSS cervical spine outcomes questionnaire. <br><br>RESULTS: Front-row rugby players exhibited significant radiographic evidence of C-spine degenerative changes compared to the non-rugby playing controls (P < 0.005). Despite these findings the rugby players did not exhibit increased symptoms. <br><br>CONCLUSION: This highlights the radiologic degenerative changes of the C-spine of front-row rugby players. However, these changes do not manifest themselves clinically or affect activities of daily living.<p /><p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="0021-1265",
doi="10.1007/s11845-009-0432-3",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s11845-009-0432-3"
}