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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 9, 2026

A Contusive Model of Unilateral Cervical Spinal Cord Injury Using the Infinite Horizon Impactor

A Contusive Model of Unilateral Cervical Spinal Cord Injury Using the Infinite Horizon Impactor

Published on: July 24, 2012

Open Water Cervical Spine Injury.

Megan E Foy¹, Elizabeth Avakoff¹, Mikaela T Middleton²

¹Emergency Department, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California.

Prehospital Emergency Care

|July 8, 2026

Summary

Rapid response to acute traumatic cervical spine injuries is crucial. This case highlights successful management of a triathlete

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Published on: May 26, 2026

Area of Science:

Emergency Medicine
Sports Medicine
Neurosurgery

Background:

Acute cervical spine injuries pose a significant challenge, especially in dynamic environments like open water sports.
The aquatic setting introduces unique hazards and complicates the delivery of timely, coordinated medical care.
Effective management requires rapid recognition, extraction, and transport to a trauma center.

Purpose of the Study:

To report a case of acute central cord syndrome following a traumatic cervical spine injury during a triathlon.
To discuss the management and neurologic recovery of a patient with severe distal weakness.
To analyze the risks and benefits of Spinal Motion Restriction (SMR) in aquatic environments.

Main Methods:

Case report of a patient with a direct head and neck impact during an open water triathlon.
Prehospital medical rescue team intervention including prompt extraction and transport.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) for diagnosis and surgical planning.
Surgical treatment for acute central cord syndrome.

Main Results:

The patient presented with severe distal weakness, more pronounced in the upper extremities.
Prompt surgical intervention led to improved neurologic recovery.
The case highlights the importance of a coordinated prehospital and hospital response.

Conclusions:

Swift and coordinated response is critical for optimal neurologic preservation in acute cervical spine injuries.
Spinal Motion Restriction (SMR) in aquatic environments presents unique challenges and controversies.
Early diagnosis and surgical management can lead to favorable neurologic outcomes in central cord syndrome.