Lesões Traumáticas da Coluna Cervical no Desporto – Epidemiologia (parte 2/2)

Traumatic cervical spine injuries comprise a range of relatively rare injuries associated with sports, but with the capacity to cause serious long-term sequelae, namely quadriparesis/tetraplegia and even death. Most of the cervical spine injuries that occur to trauma in sports, particularly in collision sports, are considered minor and do not cause major concern for athletes, coaches and family members. However, serious injuries may result in permanent consequences. Therefore, the knowledge of the epidemiology, risk factors, type and injury mechanisms specific to each sport is the fundamental basis for the development of preventive strategies and effective measures that minimize its occurrence as much as possible.