title: [Underdiagnosed disco-ligamentous lesion in the cervical spine of a paraglider].
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Paragliding is an increasingly popular airborne sport with numerous associated injuries. We here describe the case of an experienced paraglider who, after a fall from 15 meters, presented with an initially underdiagnosed disco-ligamentous lesion of the cervical spine.
  
  
  METHODS
  We report on a 51-year-old male paraglider, who was referred to our hospital four days after a fall from 15 meters. Initial treatment was performed in a regional hospital. The performed clinical and radiological examinations including computerized tomography showed, besides a fracture of the radius, no further abnormalities.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The patient was discharged home four days after injury. Due to persistent pain in the cervical spine and parasthesia, the patient was referred to the practicing orthopaedic surgeon. The performed MRI and CT including the sagittal and coronal planes showed a disco-ligamentous lesion of the cervical spine. The patient was transferred immediately to our hospital for surgical treatment. The initial existing neurological symptoms resolved postoperatively and the patient was discharged home in a well condition.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Injuries of the cervical are extremely rare in paragliders. Nevertheless, this case underscores the importance of adequate clinical and radiological examinations. We report the case of our patient to increase awareness among physicians and training staff working in emergency rooms.
authors.affiliation: Chirurgische Klinik und Poliklinik, BG-Universitätsklinikum Bergmannsheil, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Germany.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Sträter
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Citak
authors.forename: T A
authors.initials: TA
authors.lastname: Schildhauer
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Roetman
mesh_terms: D001265:Athletic Injuries / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery*; D002574:Cervical Vertebrae / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D007405:Intervertebral Disc Displacement / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery*; D008022:Ligaments / Q000293:injuries* / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013124:Spinal Injuries / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000601:surgery*