Ischemic damage may play an important role in spinal cord injury during dancing

This study investigates spinal cord injuries (SCI) in children caused by hyperextension of the spine during dancing, a phenomenon particularly observed in China. The research suggests that ischemia, or lack of blood flow, may be a significant factor in these injuries, rather than direct physical trauma to the spinal cord. The findings emphasize the importance of gradual and protected hyperextension training in dance to prevent such injuries.

• 1
  Most patients (95.5%) had a neurological level of injury between T4 and T12, indicating the thoracic region is particularly vulnerable.
• 2
  The onset of paralysis typically occurred within 30 minutes after the injury, supporting the idea of ischemia-related damage.
• 3
  MRI data revealed long T2 signals in the spinal cord, indicative of edema and ischemia, with atrophy developing later, particularly in the lower thoracic spine.