AOSSM Youth to the NFL Sports Medicine Course with CME-Cervical Spine Injuries: Tips and Controversies

Cervical Spine Injuries: Tips and Controversies

Video Transcription

Video Summary

In this video, the speaker discusses the management of spinal cord injury in athletes and the use of artificial discs. They begin by emphasizing the need for a plan in case of a spinal cord injury and then share a personal experience with a paralyzed NFL player. They discuss the management decisions involved, such as imaging, surgery, use of steroids, hypothermia, and additional therapies like omega-3 fatty acids and hyperbaric oxygen. The speaker also mentions a unique approach using a lumbar drain to guide oxygen delivery to the spinal cord. Finally, they address the emerging use of cervical disc arthroplasty in contact sport athletes and express caution due to potential risks and lack of evidence.

Asset Caption

Presented by David O. Okonkwo MD, PhD

Keywords

spinal cord injury

athletes

artificial discs

management

plan