Recent research has revealed an alarming trend in spinal cord injuries associated with mountain biking, a risk that appears to exceed those found in hockey and other high-risk sports. According to a study conducted by the University of British Columbia (UBC), the number of spinal cord injuries in mountain biking is rising significantly, leading to life-altering paralysis in many cases.

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The study, published in Neurotrauma Reports, found that between 2008 and 2022, there were 58 recorded spinal cord injuries from mountain biking in British Columbia (B.C.). In comparison, only three spinal injuries were reported in ice hockey during the same period. Even more concerning, the frequency of mountain biking-related spinal cord injuries in B.C. has been seven times higher than injuries from skiing and snowboarding in recent years. The numbers are also comparable to or higher than those associated with amateur football in the United States.

The Devastating Impact of Mountain Biking Injuries

Dr. Brian Kwon, a professor of orthopedics and Canada Research Chair in Spinal Cord Injury at UBC and senior author of the study, highlighted the devastating nature of these injuries. Dr. Kwon, also a spine surgeon at Vancouver General Hospital, shared the emotional and physical toll these injuries take on patients and their families.

“These are devastating injuries. There’s nothing quite as excruciating as having to tell a patient that they may never walk again,” Dr. Kwon explained. His concern prompted the study, driven by his firsthand experience with the high volume of spinal cord injuries coming from mountain biking parks.

Key Findings of the Study

The analysis, which relied on data from the Rick Hansen Spinal Cord Injury Registry, found that most of the individuals injured were young, healthy men with an average age of 35.5 years. Notably, 93 percent of those injured were male. The leading cause of these injuries was riders being thrown over their handlebars, accounting for 77.5 percent of cases, while 12.1 percent resulted from collisions. Interestingly, 86.3 percent of the riders wore helmets at the time of their injury, though only 9.1 percent wore helmets and body protection.

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While helmets and safety gear are crucial, Dr. Kwon emphasized that they do not eliminate the risk of injury. He stressed the importance of being aware of the dangers and remaining vigilant when riding.

“Helmets and safety gear are essential, but they don’t eliminate risk,” he said. “Everyone needs to be informed and vigilant.”

The Physical and Economic Toll

The impact of these injuries is profound, and they cost the individuals affected and the healthcare system staggeringly. The study estimates that the lifetime healthcare costs for the 58 injuries recorded in B.C. will total around $195.4 million. This includes medical care, rehabilitation, lost productivity, and other related expenses.

Of the 58 injuries studied, 27 were classified as motor complete spinal cord injuries, resulting in complete paralysis below the injury site. This includes 14 individuals who experienced tetraplegia (paralysis of both arms and legs) and 13 with paraplegia (paralysis of the legs). The remaining 31 individuals had incomplete spinal cord injuries, where some motor function was preserved.

A Growing Sport with Increased Risk

Mountain biking has dramatically increased in popularity, especially with the advent of lift-equipped bike parks that provide access to more challenging terrain. In B.C., a significant portion of spinal cord injuries occurred at Whistler Mountain Bike Park, one of the most popular bike parks in the world.

Dr. Kwon acknowledges that more research is needed to identify how these injuries can be prevented. He hopes that the findings of this study will spark discussions among healthcare professionals, mountain resorts, and the mountain biking community about how to manage better and mitigate the risks of the sport.

“Everyone has a shared interest in preventing these catastrophic injuries,” said Dr. Kwon. “By working together, we can explore factors such as assessing and communicating risk, the importance of rider education, the role of safety equipment, and how to design trails and resorts to minimize injuries.”

The Road Ahead

While the rise in mountain biking injuries is concerning, Dr. Kwon remains hopeful that greater awareness and proactive safety measures can help prevent future incidents. The study calls for more attention to the sport’s growing popularity and associated risks. Collaboration between healthcare providers, the biking community, and mountain resorts can reduce the number of spinal cord injuries and create a safer environment for all mountain bikers.

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In the meantime, riders are urged to continue using protective equipment, stay informed, and consider safety when riding on more technical terrain. With the proper precautions and awareness, the thrill of mountain biking can continue to be enjoyed with less risk.

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