Diving injuries of the cervical spine

Bailes, Julian E.; Herman, James M.; Quigley, Matthew R.; Cerullo, Leonard J.; Meyer, Paul R.

doi:10.1016/0090-3019(90)90064-v

Cited by 63 publications

(57 citation statements)

References 12 publications

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“…According to different series, the incidence of diving accidents represents from 1.2 to 22% of all spinal cord injuries [1,3,11,12,20]. In this series, diving accidents comprised 2.5% of all cervical spine trauma admitted to the department.…”

Section: Circumstances Of Cervical Traumamentioning

confidence: 80%

“…Misjudgments of the water depth and reckless behavior have been cited as common factors in these accidents [5]. Alcohol consumption is also an important risk factor, thought to be contributory in 38 to 49% of injuries in previously published series [2,3,8,10,14,15]. Kluger et al [14] report that 22 patients among 45 who were injured in swimming pools had blood alcohol levels higher than 100 mg/dl.…”

Section: Circumstances Of Cervical Traumamentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The incidence of spinal cord injuries (SCI) following these accidents has been reported to range between 1.2 and 21% [1,3,11,12,20]. These injuries occur predominantly in a young and healthy population that is mostly male [1,4,6,8].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…These injuries occur predominantly in a young and healthy population that is mostly male [1,4,6,8]. Spinal cord injuries as a consequence of diving accidents mainly affect the cervical spine and therefore may cause a lifelong severe disability with important social impact and financial costs [3,4,15].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…There are only few studies in the literature about diving and cervical spinal cord injuries [1,3,15]. This study analyzes the initial and follow-up data of all patients hospitalized in our institution for spinal trauma after diving into a swimming pool.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Cervical spine injuries resulting from diving accidents in swimming pools: outcome of 34 patients

et al. 2009

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Cervical spine injuries after diving into private swimming pools can lead to dramatic consequences. We reviewed 34 patients hospitalized in our center between 1996 and 2006. Data was collected from their initial admission and from follow-up appointments. The injuries were sustained by young men in 97% (mean age 27) and the majority happened during the summer (88%). Fractures were at C5-C7 in 70%. American Spinal Injury Association class (ASIA) on admission was A for 8 patients, B for 4, C for 4, D for 1, and E for 17. There were 23 surgical spine stabilizations. Final ASIA class was A for 6 patients, B for 1, C for 3, D for 5, and E for 18. The mean duration of hospitalization was 21.3 days in our neurosurgical center (mean overall cost: 36,000 Euros/patient) plus 10.6 months in rehabilitation center for the 15 patients admitted who had an ASIA class A to C. Mean overall direct cost for a patient with class A is almost 300,000 Euros, compared to around 10,000 Euros for patients with class D and E. In addition, a profound impact on personal and professional life was seen in many cases including 11 divorces and 7 job losses. Dangerous diving into swimming pools can result in spinal injuries with drastic consequences, including permanent physical disability and a profound impact on socio-professional status. Moreover, there are significant financial costs to society. Better prevention strategies should be implemented to reduce the impact of this public health problem.

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