Rugby injuries to the cervical spinal cord

An analysis of the orthopaedic injuries in 20 patients who sustained injury to the cervical spinal cord while playing rugby has been made. Eight (40%) of the players were injured during scrums and the remainder were injured during tackling. The incidence of and mortality due to spinal cord injuries sustained during rugby are discussed. Analysis of the scrum injuries shows a specific type of orthopaedic injury indicating a flexion-rotation mechanism. No specific mechanism of injury in the group injured during tackling could by demonstrated. It is concluded that the rugby scrum provides an ideal occasion for dislocation of the cervical spine and is potentially the most hazardous facet of the game.