Pittsburgh, August 27, 2008 -- Theodore J. Spinks, MD, clinical assistant professor of neurosurgery at Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, was interviewed recently on KDKA-TV and WTAE-TV discussing the growing number of injuries to high school and college cheerleaders.

The news reports focused on research studies indicating that cheerleading now accounts for two-thirds of the serious injuries reported among female athletes.

"What we see, are a fair number of concussions -- more low-grade concussions -- which really affect school performance and participation, and then neck injuries, mostly neck strains," Dr. Spinks said in the KDKA interview.

In the WTAE report, Dr. Spinks emphasized that cheerleading, like football, is a sport, and like any sport, injuries are inherent. He also pointed out that cheerleading involves a lot of wear and tear on the body.

The KDKA interview aired on August 20. The WTAE interview aired on August 25.