A German gamer broke his neck while playing a game wearing a virtual reality headset. Doctors claim that the "repetitive" and sudden movements during the game led to damage to his neck, before eventually "cracking" part of the bone.
According to The Sun, the man went to the hospital after feeling a very strong pain in his shoulders.
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Later, CT scans revealed that the man had fractured his C7 cervical vertebra, which is located near the base of the neck, above the shoulders.
Experts from the University of Leipzig Hospital, who dealt with the gamer's injury, believe it is the first documented "fracture" in the world related to a virtual reality game.
Researchers say the gamer's neck injury resembled injuries seen in runners and soldiers.
Virtual reality headsets can weigh nearly 610 grams, although doctors in the German's case did not detail the brand he was using. What we do know is that it took the 31-year-old gamer 12 weeks to fully recover.
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VR headsets are becoming increasingly popular among gamers (and not only). Millions of them have been sold worldwide in recent years.
Dr. David Baur, an orthopedist at the hospital where the young man was being treated, said the injury resembled a “clay-shoveler’s fracture.” This fracture is named after injuries recorded in clay miners in Australia in the 1940s.
This injury has also been observed in professional athletes such as volleyball players and equestrians.
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Dr Baur said: “Given that the patient played VR for many hours a week with lightweight devices in his hands and head, we conclude that a fracture of this type seems to be the most likely cause of the neck problem.”
“The repetitive and intense movements during gameplay could lead to a fracture“.
Doctors did not specify when exactly the man was injured, but virtual reality headsets have been quite popular recently.
More details can be found in the Journal of Medical Case Reports.
Source: www.the-sun.com
