The following electronic only articles are published in conjunction with this issue of BJSM (see also pages 724, 753, and 757).

Paraplegia secondary to fracture-subluxation of the thoracic spine sustained playing rugby union football

A J Walsh, S Shine, F McManus

Fractures of the spinal column during rugby matches of all codes are rare but catastrophic, especially when associated with spinal cord injury. The cervical spine is vulnerable during trauma to the head and neck in contact sports. Spinal injuries reported during rugby matches have almost exclusively involved the cervical region, often with neurological sequelae. This is the first reported case of paraplegia caused by a fracture-dislocation of the thoracic spine resulting from a low velocity rugby union injury.

(Br J Sports Med 2004;38:e32) http://bjsm.bmjjournals.com/cgi/content/full/38/5/e32

Bridging osteophyte of the anterosuperior sacroiliac joint as a cause of lumbar back pain

K A Parmar, M Solomon, A Loefler, et al

A case report is presented of a patient with an anterosuperior osteophytic bone bridge of the sacroiliac joint causing lumbar back pain. After prolonged physiotherapy, the bone bridge was excised, with complete resolution of the symptoms. Excision should only be considered in cases of symptomatic sacroiliac joint pain that does not respond to rehabilitation programmes and conservative treatment.

(Br J Sports Med 2004;38:e33) http://bjsm.bmjjournals.com/cgi/content/full/38/5/e33