Sports-related spinal cord injuries

Although a relatively small number of all injuries sustained while participating in sports occur to the spinal cord, the impact that these injuries make on the U.S. health care system is enormous. Critical care nurses, who work in the field of trauma, should be aware of the epidemiology and etiology of these injuries while providing therapeutic interventions. Additionally, an understanding of the classification of these injuries will be beneficial when providing education to the patient and family.