BACKGROUND: Injuries to the cervical spine (C-spine) are among the most serious in rugby and are well documented. Front-row players are particularly at risk due to repetitive high-intensity collisions in the scrum. AIM: This study evaluates degenerative changes of the C-spine and associated symptomatology in front-row rugby players. MATERIALS AND METHODS: C-spine radiographs from 14 professional rugby players and controls were compared. Players averaged 23 years of playing competitive rugby. Two consultant radiologists performed a blind review of radiographs evaluating degeneration of disc spaces and apophyseal joints. Clinical status was assessed using a modified AAOS/NASS/COSS cervical spine outcomes questionnaire. RESULTS: Front-row rugby players exhibited significant radiographic evidence of C-spine degenerative changes compared to the non-rugby playing controls (P < 0.005). Despite these findings the rugby players did not exhibit increased symptoms. CONCLUSION: This highlights the radiologic degenerative changes of the C-spine of front-row rugby players. However, these changes do not manifest themselves clinically or affect activities of daily living.
BACKGROUND: Injuries to the cervical spine (C-spine) are among the most serious in rugby and are well documented. Front-row players are particularly at risk due to repetitive high-intensity collisions in the scrum. AIM: This study evaluates degenerative changes of the C-spine and associated symptomatology in front-row rugby players. MATERIALS AND METHODS: C-spine radiographs from 14 professional rugby players and controls were compared. Players averaged 23 years of playing competitive rugby. Two consultant radiologists performed a blind review of radiographs evaluating degeneration of disc spaces and apophyseal joints. Clinical status was assessed using a modified AAOS/NASS/COSS cervical spine outcomes questionnaire. RESULTS: Front-row rugby players exhibited significant radiographic evidence of C-spine degenerative changes compared to the non-rugby playing controls (P < 0.005). Despite these findings the rugby players did not exhibit increased symptoms. CONCLUSION: This highlights the radiologic degenerative changes of the C-spine of front-row rugby players. However, these changes do not manifest themselves clinically or affect activities of daily living.
Authors: Thomas Stoll; Erika Huber; Stefan Bachmann; Hans-Ruedi Baumeler; Stefan Mariacher; Martin Rutz; Werner Schneider; Hans Spring; André Aeschlimann; Gerold Stucki; Werner Steiner Journal: Spine (Phila Pa 1976) Date: 2004-12-15 Impact factor: 3.468