Description
In this detailed presentation, Consultant Spinal Surgeon, Marcus de Matas, discusses the serious topic of high-energy spinal trauma related to motorsport activities. He introduces himself and outlines his extensive experience treating injuries, particularly those sustained by motorcycle racers in high-stakes events such as the Isle of Man TT and the Manx Grand Prix, as well as injuries from prominent racing circuits like Aintree. Throughout the talk, he references a key text by sports journalist Rick Broadbent, highlighting various motorcyclist injuries documented in the past.
De Matas shares a brief history of motorsport in Liverpool, noting the significance of the British Grand Prix held at Aintree up to 1962. He establishes a clear definition of motorsport encompassing both two and four-wheeled vehicles and its varied terrains. For clarity, he breaks down critical medical terms, defining fractures and spinal cord injuries, as well as the injury severity score introduced by Baker et al. in 1974, which helps categorize injuries for research purposes. He mentions the global statistics for traumatic spinal cord injuries, providing context for the specific incidence of such injuries in motorsport.
The discussion progresses into the mechanics of injuries sustained in motorsport, emphasizing the unique high-energy impacts experienced by drivers and riders. De Matas elaborates on different types of injuries, the forces involved, and crucial safety measures introduced over the years, such as advanced seat designs, head and neck support systems (HANS devices), helmets, and roll cages, all aimed at mitigating risk.
As he showcases several case studies of competitors whom he has treated, de Matas illustrates the complexities of high-energy injuries, including fractures and the need for multidisciplinary approaches in treatment. He emphasizes the importance of imaging techniques like CT and MR scans for diagnosis, which inform appropriate management pathways. Throughout the presentation, de Matas not only educates on the injuries and medical responses but also shares success stories of recovery and return to competition, highlighting resilience in the face of severe trauma.