SCRIP-Spinal Catastrophic Rugby Injury Project
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Spinal Catastrophic Rugby Injury Project. Analysis of patients suffering catastrophic spinal cord injury as a results of playing rugby football
IRAS ID
244554
Contact name
Evan Davies
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University Hospital Southampton
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
1 BACKGROUND
Spinal cord injury in the sport of rugby is a rare and unusual complication of playing the game. The RFU Injured Players Foundation (IPF) is the RFU’s official charity which supports players sustaining catastrophic spinal cord injury. It also supports research in injury prevention and management to ensure player welfare is improved wherever possible. Previous research supported by IPF staff, the RFU and funded by World Rugby at the University of Bath has looked at scrum engagement in the game and its findings have been used to introduce law changes which appear to have had a positive impact on player welfare. The aim of this project is to study injury mechanisms, patterns and management in players sustaining catastrophic spinal cord injury to learn about and maximise player safety for the future. In order to do this we wish to review player’s medical notes and medical imaging to see if patterns can be identified to reduce these risks further. This will study will aim to engage all players under the auspices of the Rugby Football Union and not the other home or overseas governing bodies.2 RATIONALE
We wish to maximise player welfare and reduce the risk of spinal cord injury associated with the game of rugby union. Change in the laws of the game have contributed to a reduced incidence of such injuries within the scrum engagement sequence, and by studying catastrophic injuries in more detail we hope to further improve player safety.3 THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK
Collision games such as American Football, Ice Hockey and Rugby account for the majority of sport related catastrophic events. Rugby is currently the most popular collision sport in the world. The risk of injury is low. The quoted rates below are per 100000 participantsRugby Union 0.8
Rugby League 1.9
American Football 1.0
Ice Hockey 4.1Previously South African studies have suggested that 56% of all rugby related injuries are potentially preventable. As mentioned above, World Rugby funded research by the University of Bath has demonstrated the value of changing the scrum engagement to reduce the biomechanical loading in the rugby scrum. A number of National Governing Bodies have also introduced player safety programmes to communicate evidence-based injury prevention initiatives (RFU: RugbySafe, NZRFU: RugbySmart, SARFU: BokSmart).
Our aim is to study the group of players known to have sustained catastrophic spinal cord injury and reduce the risk further. By analysing individual patient’s medical notes and imaging we should be able to ascertain biomechanical models of these injuries to provide evidence for potential changes to playing, training, coaching or officiating.
4 RESEARCH AIM
To review medical records and imaging of rugby players sustaining spinal cord injury in the English Rugby Union to better understand injury mechanisms and treatment. To construct models of injury patterns using patients’ imaging data to better understand the injury mechanisms.4.1 Objectives
To review all players with spinal cord injury sustained whilst playing or training under the auspices of the RFU.
4.2 Outcome
Improved player safety in the game of rugby union at all levels of the game (both community and professional). Evidence and recommendations for action can also be shared with worlwide governing bodies for Rugby Union, but also other contact sports such as Rugby League and American FootballREC name
East Midlands - Derby Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
20/EM/0294
Date of REC Opinion
25 Jan 2021
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion