Severe cervical spine trauma in senegalese wrestling: Anatomical, clinical, and therapeutic aspects about 15 cases

Abstract

We report a series of 15 patients who presented with serious trauma to the cervical spine during sports practice accidents (Senegalese wrestling). The fall, head first leading to a compression-flexion, was the most frequent mechanism. These included severe cervical sprains, uni- or bi-articular dislocations, and vertebral body fractures. Surgical management was performed in 12 patients: anterior cervical arthrodesis in 8 cases and posterior arthrodesis in 4 cases. Five patients died, including 4 in the postoperative period due to neurovegetative complications associated with ASIA A paralysis. An improvement in regulations could help prevent certain complications that can sometimes be fatal for the wrestler.