The high rugby tackle--an avoidable cause of cervical spinal injury?

The type and circumstances of injury to 14 rugby players with cervical spinal cord damage sustained during a tackle have been analysed. Two specific mechanisms of injury were evident. Four players were injured when their heads collided with fixed objects while they were attempting to tackle an opponent. Ten players were injured while being tackled and 5 of them were tackled around the neck. The risk of trauma to the cervical spine caused by the force applied to the neck in a high tackle is discussed. The susceptibility of the ligaments of the cervical spine to the rotational force exerted during a high tackle is stressed. An amendment to the rules of rugby, which would reduce cervical trauma, is suggested.