Analysis of Severe Spinal Injuries in Korean Elite Female Wrestlers

Abstract

Women’s wrestling is actively practiced in many countries. While severe spinal injuries pose a threat to an athlete’s career and health, research on severe spinal injuries in female wrestlers remains limited. The aim of this study was to investigate the characteristics of severe spinal injuries and post-injury management in Korean female wrestlers. We enrolled 54 female wrestlers participating in the national team selection competition. Interviews were conducted to examine the characteristics of spinal injuries that resulted in a time loss of more than three weeks from training throughout their athletic careers and their post-injury management practices. Approximately 46% of participants experienced severe spinal injuries, and 52% faced re-injuries during their wrestling careers. These injuries predominantly occurred during technical training due to overuse during tackling and standing attacks. The most frequent injuries were lumbosacral disc injuries (72%) and cervical disc injuries (20%), with 36% requiring surgery. Nearly half of the injured athletes received specialized rehabilitation, yet roughly 76% resumed training without medical clearance. Athletes injured during their student years were notably less likely to receive specialized rehabilitation compared with those injured during their professional careers (p = 0.011). On average, athletes returned to play within 2.7 to 3.0 months. Spinal injury characteristics and post-injury management were not significantly different between the light- and heavyweight classes. While Korean female wrestlers are at a high risk of experiencing severe spinal injuries and re-injuries during their careers, appropriate post-injury management is often lacking, highlighting the need for proactive intervention by healthcare professionals to prevent recurrent spinal injuries in female wrestlers and to ensure safe return to training.