Epidemiology of causes and management of severe spinal injuries in elite male wrestlers

Abstract

Spinal injuries are common in wrestlers. This study aimed to investigate the characteristics and post-injury management practices of severe spinal injuries among elite male wrestlers, with a comparative analysis between Greco-Roman and freestyle wrestling styles. A total of 110 elite male wrestlers (55 Greco-Roman and 55 freestyle athletes) were participated in the study, interviews were conducted severe spinal injuries and their post-injury management practices. Approximately 30.9% of participants reported experiencing severe spinal injuries, and among them, 58.8% were reinjury. These injuries predominantly occurred during technical training sessions due to overuse mechanisms during offensive maneuvers. Among the injured athletes, only 38.2% received specialized rehabilitation, and 35.3% obtained medical clearance before returning to play. The Greco-Roman style was found to have a significantly higher risk of reinjury than the freestyle (odds ratio=5.24 and 95% confidence interval=1.09–21.25). There were significant differences in the specific situations causing spinal injuries between wrestling styles (p=0.018). In conclusion, this study demonstrates that elite male wrestlers are at high risk of severe spinal injury and reinjury; yet, they often lack adequate post-injury management. Moreover, the differences in reinjury rates and specific situations causing injuries based on wrestling styles emphasize the need for tailored prevention and management strategies for each style.

Keywords

wrestling - spine injury - sports injury - injury prevention - return to play

Publikationsverlauf

Eingereicht: 03. Oktober 2024

Angenommen nach Revision: 13. März 2025

Accepted Manuscript online:
13. März 2025

Artikel online veröffentlicht:
11. April 2025

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