Author(s) :

Aidan Lee.

Volume/Issue :

Abstract :

Sports-related spinal cord injury (SCI) remains a significant concern for youth athletes, particularly in sports with a high risk of collisions or falls such as football, wrestling, gymnastics, and cheerleading. This review examines recent literature on the epidemiology, on-field management, and acute care of these injuries, along with updates on emerging treatment strategies. National registry data indicate that youth and young adults face a disproportionately high risk of sports-related SCI despite a decline in overall incidence. Early management guidelines emphasize rapid stabilization, airway protection, and timely transport to appropriate medical facilities. Although current medical treatments primarily focus on stabilization and rehabilitation, recent research in biomaterials, drug-delivery systems, electrical stimulation, and cell-based therapies shows promise for enhancing neural repair. Most of these approaches remain in preclinical stages, but ongoing advances in the field suggest the potential for more effective interventions in the future.