Working Diagnosis:
Spinal cord contusion.
American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) class E: radiographic evidence of spinal cord injury (SCI) without deficits on exam.
Treatment:
He was transferred to a regional trauma hospital spinal unit for tertiary survey and 48-hour monitoring of bowel, bladder, respiratory function, and pain. No steroids were administered.
Outcome:
Residual neurologic symptoms resolved. He was educated on signs and symptoms to report within 72 hours following SCI, then discharged to his team physician.
Author's Comments:
Return to Activity and Follow-Up: The patient and team physician reported no signs or symptoms of myelopathy within 72 hours. If present, this would have necessitated a repeat ASIA exam and workup. The medical unit of the international competition received no report of neurologic symptoms upon return to the athlete's home country.
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