K37 -- September 2010 -- Motorcross Injuries

Intro: Motocross is a hugely popular sport. But with the thrill of the ride comes the risk of injury. Doctors at Mayo Clinic want to change that. They're studying motocross to find out how they can help young riders stay safe on the track.

"I've broken quite a few bones."

Jeremy Martin is one of the top motocross riders in his age group in the country.

"I broke my tib and fib and my right leg and my left arm at the same time. I broke my shoulder, and I've gotten knocked out twice."

"We realized, 'Wow, there are a lot of injuries.' "

Dr. Amy McIntosh helps put kids like Jeremy back together. She did a study to learn what types of injuries are most common. Referee Mike Quinn sees these injuries firsthand.

"I would say the most common injury that we see is the broken collarbone. Clavicles fracture fairly easily when the guys go over the bars. That would probably be followed by concussions."

Bones you can usually fix, but concussions can be dangerous. You see, in sports like football, players have to sit out after a concussion and go through a re-entry program to make sure they've fully recovered. There's nothing like that for motocross.

"We know that second-impact syndrome of getting that second concussion on top of a first-time concussion can have serious implications, and that's what we're trying to avoid."

So Dr. McIntosh has teamed up with folks at Spring Creek Motocross Park for another study to figure out why injuries happen and what can help prevent them.

"This is the brace Jeremy wears to protect against neck injury. Dr. McIntosh hopes her research can help figure out new ways to keep riders safe."

Maybe it's recommending new equipment, new training procedures or even new jump design, where many injuries seem to happen.

"I cased the jump. It wasn't good."

Jeremy's recovered from all of his injuries. Dr. McIntosh wants to keep him that way.

"So my goal is — and I keep telling the kids — to keep you riding longer and safer."

For Medical Edge, I'm Vivien Williams.

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Jeremy tours the country racing motocross as a top ranked rider. He plans to keep competing as a professional. For more information about motocross safety, visit our website at …

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