Thoracolumbar Spinal Injuries in Surfing

Introduction: As surfing has gained popularity and recognition, even making its Olympic debut in the 2020 Games, the risks associated with the sport have become more apparent. Existing literature highlights that spinal injuries are the leading musculoskeletal injuries suffered by surfers. Despite this, little is known about epidemiology surrounding the etiology of spinal injury. This review discusses the types of injuries commonly associated with surfing, as well as strategies for management and prevention that are essential for healthcare professionals involved in treating surfers. The goal is to assess the incidence, prevalence, diagnostic methods, management strategies, and outcomes of these injuries in surfers.

Methods: This systematic review was conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The search strategy involved a comprehensive search of PubMed and Google Scholar up to November 2023, using MeSH terms and simple search methods to gather relevant articles. Studies included in the review reported on both acute and chronic thoracolumbar spine injuries in the context of surfing. Two independent reviewers screened the titles and abstracts of identified studies for eligibility. The included studies comprised primary research and systematic reviews reporting thoracolumbar injuries. Measures were taken to avoid duplicate case reporting by reviewing the sources of cases in systematic reviews.

Results: A total of 43 studies were included in the final review. 949 individual injuries were identified. 25% (n=241) of injuries were due to a sprain, strain, or contusion. 10% (n=95) of injuries were due to Surfer’s Myelopathy. 3% (27) of the injuries were fractures. 62% (n=586) of reported thoracolumbar injuries had an unspecified diagnosis.

Conclusion : Commonly reported injuries in the thoracolumbar spine sustained as a result of surfing include surfer's myelopathy, strains, sprains, and contusions. While less frequent, it is essential to consider higher-energy injuries such as vertebral column fractures during the initial evaluation of a patient. Improving core strength, balance, and coordination has been shown to be effective in the prevention and treatment of common injuries. Placing clinical emphasis on these aspects of physical fitness can contribute significantly to both treatment and injury prevention among surfers.