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More than 300 clinicians, researchers, athletic trainers and other professionals gathered at the State Street Pavilion at Fenway Park this month for the fifth annual Sports Related Conference on Concussion and Spine Injury. It was hosted by the BWH Neurological Sports Injury Center and its directors, Arthur Day, MD, chairman of the Department of Neurosurgery, Mark Proctor, MD, and Robert Cantu, MD.
“This conference has quickly become the preeminent scientific and educational meeting for the latest developments in diagnosing and managing concussion and cervical spine injuries,” said Day. “America’s participation in sports is at an all-time high and, with more rigorous training and competitions, players are more vulnerable to injuries that could have serious neurological consequences. By addressing the emerging issues and educating those professionals treating and caring for injured athletes, this conference grows in its relevancy and importance, as demonstrated by this year’s record attendance.”
Internationally recognized experts in sports-related neurological injuries spoke on the latest research in the on- and off-field management of sports-related head and spine injuries, return to play decision making and the short and long-term consequences of these injuries for players.
Highlights of the day included Dr. Barth Green’s discussion of the controversial use of hypothermia in the management of spinal cord injury, followed by the recount of the days immediately following Kevin Everett’s cervical fracture by keynote speaker Kevin Gibbons, MD, who was part of the neurosurgical team that operated on the Buffalo Bills tight end.
“In the treatment of sports injury, there has been a huge amount of attention and advancement for the knee, wrist, elbow and shoulder. Research and specialization of concussions and head injuries are slow to follow. The recognition now is that a concussion is not a minor injury, and there is a lot more attention to it,” said Gibbons, of the University at Buffalo.