The spine in sport--injuries, prevention and treatment.

The prevention of injuries can be carried out by undertaking injury surveys; one survey carried out in conjunction with Gibson, (1978) looking for risk factors in the Rugby Union, the largest risk factor that emerged was foul play over 30% of injuries actually occurred as a result of such behaviour. The governing bodies of Rugby Football therefore are now considering allowing linesmen who are qualified referees, to adjudicate, to help the referee in the game, hopefully reducing the number of injuries resulting from foul play that the referee does not see. A new law has come into being now, to prevent the "pile-up" situation and only the ruck allowed, with players standing on their feet. New polyurethane rubberised studs have been introduced on the Continent, and likely to come into this country at the beginning of 1980, which should reduce the number of head injuries, especially the severe lacerations.