How Doctors Should React to Cage Fighting

In fact, a September 2011 article in The Guardian reported on a social club in England that hosts cage fights involving children. The article quoted a professional cage fighter and gym owner who said that although children as young as five take MMA training at his gym, they are not allowed to strike until the age of 14.

In the U.S., where the sport has been around longer and is therefore at a more mature stage, there have been several calls for the presence of ringside physicians at sanctioned events. Additionally, it has been argued that sports medicine providers should have an appropriately equipped medical bag and should coordinate with emergency medical personnel in order to deliver care more efficiently if urgent situations arise (Curr Sports Med Rep. 2011;10(3):147-150).

Push for Protection

Indeed, the freedom of choice associated with MMA fighting comes at a cost that can result in multiple hospital attendances. With MMA on the rise throughout the U.K. and the U.S., it is clear that we will be seeing more MMA-associated injuries. As a medical profession, we should consider striking a middle ground between those calling for a complete ban on the sport and those advocating freedom of choice. One additional option could be to push for the introduction of protective headgear.

Whatever the case, when presented with patients with MMA-induced injuries in our clinics, we must be sure to take a detailed history of how the injuries have happened in order to give targeted advice to the patient with regard to follow-up treatment.

Dr. Hadjisymeou is a core surgical trainee, year two, and currently works in the ENT Department at Luton and Dunstable NHS TRUST. Dr. Shah is a core surgical trainee, year one, currently working in the General Surgery Department at Luton and Dunstable NHS TRUST. Dr. Panesar is an ENT consultant, specializing in Head and Neck, at Luton and Dunstable NHS TRUST.

Disclaimer: The opinions and views expressed in this op-ed are strictly those of the writers and do not represent any positions held by ENT Today, the Triological Society, sponsors or advertisers.