Although InsideSurgery is not participating in the care of the Auburn football player injured on the kickoff in the game against LSU, we are noting the concerning videotape and reports from the stadium.
The injured player was running down the field at full speed and struck the LSU kick returner on the side with the top of his helmet. He immediately fell to the ground without any apparent movement.
On site medical personnel were correct in immediately rushing to the field to evaluate him for spinal cord injury and head injury. The patient was awake and speaking but did not seem to have any movement to his extremities.
The protocol for what happens next is standard now across the US. The on field medics correctly removed his helmet face guard, immobilized his neck while rolling him onto the stretcher.
News reports shortly after the incident are now reporting that he does have movement in his extremities, ruling out a complete cord transection.
He will be taken to the closest trauma center where he will receive a series of plain radiographs to evaluate for bony damage. These are taken in the lateral, anterior-posterior, and open mouth views. He will also likely receive an MRI to rule out ligament damage in his upper spine. He will also be evaluated by the examining team for strength in his extremities.
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