Thoracolumbar fractures associated with the use of personal watercraft

Background: Personal watercraft (PWC) are in widespread and growing use. Injuries involving PWC have been reported, but to date no report has focused on spine injuries as a result of this activity. Methods: We report a retrospective case series of spinal injuries related to the use of PWC that we term "wave-jumper's fracture." Results: From 1995 to 1999, eight patients suffered spinal fracture after operating PWC. The mechanism of injury was of a "hard landing" on the seat of the PWC after becoming airborne. The average age was 36 years (range, 20-51 years). Fractures were compression or burst type injuries at the thoracolumbar transition zone (T12-L2). Only one patient suffered a transient neurologic injury. No patient required surgery. Conclusion: There is a mechanism of injury in PWC use where axial loading may cause thoracolumbar fracture. The public and physicians should be aware of the risks involved in the use of personal watercraft.