title: Spinal injury considerations in the competitive diver: a case report and review of the literature.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Despite significant literature associated with spinal injuries and recreational diving, few articles exist regarding competitive diving injuries, with no reports pertaining specifically to spinal injuries. As a result, a case report of a collegiate diver with C5-C6 ligamentous instability requiring operative stabilization is currently presented in addition to a review of the literature.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  Present a case report of cervical C5-C6 ligamentous instability in a collegiate diver.
  
  
  METHODS
  Case report and literature review.
  
  
  METHODS
  Not applicable.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Not applicable.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Diving injuries pertaining to competitive diving do occur but to a lesser extent than would be expected given the large forces the spine experiences. Training, experience and appropriate technique greatly minimize potential spinal hazards. Persistent complaints of neck pain after a competitive diving injury mandate aggressive evaluation and further workup.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopedics, University of Florida, P.O. Box 100246, Gainesville, FL 32610-0246, USA.
authors.forename: Brian L
authors.initials: BL
authors.lastname: Badman
authors.forename: Glenn R
authors.initials: GR
authors.lastname: Rechtine
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001265:Athletic Injuries / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology*; D002574:Cervical Vertebrae / Q000293:injuries*; D004242:Diving / Q000293:injuries*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D019838:Neck Injuries / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology*; D011859:Radiography; D013124:Spinal Injuries / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology*