title: Paralysis due to the high tackle--a black spot in South African rugby.
abstract: The high tackle around the neck is illegal but still commonplace in South African rugby. An analysis of 40 rugby players who sustained spinal cord injury during the period 1985-1989 revealed that 8 were injured by a high tackle. The case histories and radiographs of these 8 players were analysed. The majority sustained flexion-rotation injuries after being tackled from the side. Another mechanism of injury was hyper-extension during a tackle from the rear. Disturbingly, 4 of the 8 players sustained complete permanent paralysis. This was consequent upon the orthopaedic injuries sustained--specifically facet dislocations or 'tear-drop' fractures, both injuries carrying with them a high risk of serious spinal cord injury. It is concluded that foul play in the form of the high tackle is still a major cause of serious spinal cord injury in South African rugby.
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, University of Stellenbosch, Parowvallei, CP.
authors.forename: A T
authors.initials: AT
authors.lastname: Scher
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D005538:Football / Q000293:injuries*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010243:Paralysis / Q000209:etiology*; D013019:South Africa; D013119:Spinal Cord Injuries / Q000209:etiology*