On the field evaluation of athletic neck injury.

This article reviews the on the field management of athletic cervical spine and spinal cord injury. The various types of injuries are discussed, as well as the team approach to evaluation, immobilization, and transport of the injured athlete. An overview of treatment rationale and decisions regarding the return of the spine-injured or spinal cord-injured player to competition is given. Emphasis is placed on the prevention of further injury by mishandling the injured athlete.