Spinal injury considerations in the competitive diver: a case report and review of the literature.

BACKGROUND CONTEXT Despite significant literature associated with spinal injuries and recreational diving, few articles exist regarding competitive diving injuries, with no reports pertaining specifically to spinal injuries. As a result, a case report of a collegiate diver with C5-C6 ligamentous instability requiring operative stabilization is currently presented in addition to a review of the literature. PURPOSE Present a case report of cervical C5-C6 ligamentous instability in a collegiate diver. STUDY DESIGN Case report and literature review. METHODS Not applicable. RESULTS Not applicable. CONCLUSIONS Diving injuries pertaining to competitive diving do occur but to a lesser extent than would be expected given the large forces the spine experiences. Training, experience and appropriate technique greatly minimize potential spinal hazards. Persistent complaints of neck pain after a competitive diving injury mandate aggressive evaluation and further workup.