Catastrophic Head and Neck Injuries in Judo Players in Japan From 2003 to 2010

Background:Few studies have documented catastrophic head and neck injuries in judo, but these injuries deserve greater attention.Purpose:To determine the features of catastrophic head and neck injuries in judo.Study Design:Descriptive epidemiological study.Methods:This study was based on the accident reports submitted to the All Japan Judo Federation’s System for Compensation for Loss or Damage. A total of 72 judo injuries (30 head, 19 neck, and 23 other injuries) were reported between 2003 and 2010. The investigated parameters were mechanism of injury, age at time of injury, length of judo experience, diagnosis, and outcome.Results:Among head injuries, 27 of 30 (90%) occurred in players younger than 20 years of age. The relationship between age, mechanism, and location of injury was more relevant when players younger than 20 years incurred head injury while being thrown (P = .0026). Among neck injuries, 13 of 19 (68%) occurred in players with more than 36 months of experience. The relationship between ex...