Rugby and cervical spine injuries

Abstract

At the time of writing, a Cape newspaper reported on a 21-year-old rugby player who died on the field following a presumed spine injury. This highlights the ongoing concerns regarding safety in this contact sport. Although the physicality of rugby is a large part of its attraction, both to spectators and players, no one wishes serious harm.

Two papers in this issue of SAMJ review rugby-related injuries to the spine and spinal cord.