Epidemiological study of cervical spine fractures due to diving in the town of Ribeirão Preto, SP

Abstract

An epidemiological study was carried out on patients treated in the hospitals of the town of Ribeirão Preto, SP, with cervical spine fractures due to shallow water diving from January 1989 to December 1999.

Ninety-seven cervical spine fractures due to shallow water diving were recorded during the study period, with 60 of the patients presenting neurological damage. The accident occurred during by in a pool in 25 patients, and by diving in rivers, streams or lagoons in 72. Eighty-eight patients (90.72%) were males and 9 (9.28%) were females and the age range of highest lesion occurrence was 10 to 20 years.

When 12 victims of cervical spine fracture due to shallow water diving were interviewed, it was observed that they had no information or knowledge about the risks and morbidity of this type of trauma.

The results of this epidemiological study and the characteristics of this type of lesion indicate that its prevention should be stimulated by means of educational campaigns.