New research from British Columbia sheds light on one of the most severe outcomes of mountain biking: spinal cord injuries (SCI).
While many mountain biking injuries are minor, SCIs present profound physical, emotional and financial challenges. A 14-year study from BC’s Level 1 Trauma Center highlights the startling prevalence and economic impact of these injuries. Here’s what the data reveals and why it’s a wake-up call for the MTB community.
Spinal cord injuries: a life-altering outcome
SCI is one of the most devastating injuries a rider can sustain. Depending on the severity and location of the injury, it can result in partial or complete loss of motor and sensory function below the injury site. In the worst cases, SCIs lead to paraplegia (loss of lower body function) or quadriplegia (loss of all four limbs). Beyond the physical challenges, these injuries take an emotional toll on individuals and their families while imposing enormous financial burdens.
The BC study analyzed 58 SCI cases caused by MTB between 2008 and 2022. The average rider was a 35-year-old male, with most injuries (67 per cent) occurring in the cervical spine, leading to severe impairments. Nearly half of these cases (45 per cent) resulted in “motor complete” paralysis, where no motor function was preserved below the injury.
What causes these injuries?
The study found that most SCIs occurred during high-impact incidents. Protective gear was often minimal—only nine per cent of riders wore both helmets and body armor. These findings underscore the need for enhanced safety measures and education around proper equipment use.
The economic burden of MTB-related SCI
According to the study, the financial impact of SCIs is staggering. The study divided costs into three categories:
1. Initial direct costs: Including hospitalization, surgery and rehabilitation. These averaged $93,600 for incomplete injuries and $245,000 for complete quadriplegia.
2. Lifetime direct costs: Ongoing expenses for medical care, adaptive equipment and home modifications often exceeded $4 million for severe cases.
3. Other costs: Lost productivity and reduced quality of life added hundreds of thousands of dollars per case.
For the 58 MTB-related SCIs studied, the combined lifetime cost totaled $195.4 million. This figure doesn’t account for the immeasurable emotional toll on families and caregivers.
Comparing MTB risks to other sports
The risk of SCI in MTB far exceeds that of many high-contact…
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