REVIEW

The avoidability of head and neck injuries in ice hockey: an historical review

N Biasca¹, S Wirth², Y Tegner³

¹ Head of Orthopaedic Surgery and Co-Head of Trauma Surgery, Spital Oberengadin, CH-7503 Samedan (St Moritz), Switzerland
² Orthopaedic Clinic, Spital Oberengadin
³ Winternet, Institution of Health Sciences, Luleå University of Technology, Hedenbrovägen, Boden and The Ermine Clinic, Timmermansgatan 60, SE-972 33 Luleå, Sweden

Correspondence to:
Dr Biasca, Head of Orthopaedic Surgery, Co-Head of Trauma Surgery, Spital Oberengadin, CH-7503 Samedan, Switzerland

The number of minor traumatic brain injury (mTBI), cerebral concussions, is increasing and cannot be eliminated by any kind of equipment. Prevention strategies, such as the introduction of "checking from behind" rules have become effective in decreasing the number of severe spinal injuries. A new "head checking" rule should reduce mTBI in the same way in the following years. Mouthguards should be mandatory as an effective device for the prevention of dental and orofacial injuries, as well as reducing the incidence and severity of mTBI. A new internet database system, the International Sports Injury System (ISIS) should improve epidemiological analysis of head, face, and spinal injuries worldwide. ISIS should provide an internationally compatible system for continuous monitoring of risk factors, protective effects of equipment, and protective effects of equipment and effects of changes in rules through the years.

Keywords: ice hockey; injuries; helmets; mouthguards; International Sports Injury System (ISIS)

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Head injuries in Ice Hockey-no prevention?

Julian Kennedy

BJSM Online, 7 Jan 2003 [Full text]