Diving-related cervical spine injuries –a systematic review, treatment, and educational approach

Abstract

Irresponsible diving in places not intended for it may result in serious injuries of thecervical spine and, consequently, in severe and permanent disability. The authors present their own experiences of five years of treating diving-related cervical spine injuries. The majority of these injuries were severe, required surgical treatment, and caused permanent disability. Such injuries concerned young males. The authors also present a systematic review of the literature published overnearly 100 years onthe epidemiology, treatment and the problem of disability of people who sustained diving-related cervical spine injuries. The conclusion is that irresponsible diving in unsuitable places such as unguarded bathing areas on lakes, rivers or even garden poolsmay result in a severe spine injury and permanent disability requiring lifelong rehabilitation and care. Appropriate education seems to play a significant role in prevention.