Breakdancer who got 'headspin hole' injury undergoes surgery

Breakdancers have been warned to refrain from headspinning if they notice a condition dubbed the "breakdance bulge".

The warning comes after the unique case of a dancer who formed a cone-like lump on his head, which he had surgery to remove.

The man, in his 30s, developed a "protuberance" on top of his head after years of performing headspins.

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A study in BMJ Case Reports details that despite the discomfort, the street dancer continued to perform the move even though the mass was "aesthetically displeasing to the patient".

After breakdancing for 19 years, the man eventually sought medical treatment. Healthcare professionals had to eliminate the possibility of cancer and other diseases before identifying the issue as a "headspin hole".

Following surgery to remove the growth, the man reported that he no longer feels the need to wear head coverings to conceal the bulge in public.

Dr Christian Baastrup Sondergaard, one of the paper's authors, told PA news agency: "This report does not advocate against headspinning entirely. However, breakdancers who notice the early development of a breakdance bulge should consider reducing or avoiding headspins, as continuing may lead to further enlargement of the bulge."

He added: "Although this is a rare condition unique to breakdancers, the successful surgical treatment in this case demonstrates that it is a viable option for symptom relief and improved quality of life for affected individuals.

"As only one prior case was reported, this case adds valuable information to the medical literature. It could encourage further studies on breakdancing injuries, possibly identifying other underreported conditions or mechanisms of injury."

The paper's authors point out that breakdancing consists of a variety of intricate and physically taxing moves that can exert stress on specific body parts. They note that the complex nature of these dance moves makes breakdancers especially susceptible to injuries and extensive breakdancing may result in several chronic issues.

Among these is an "overuse injury to the scalp" due to repeated headspinning, often referred to as a "headspin hole" or a "breakdance bulge". The report explains: "It is characterised by hair loss, inflammation, numbness and sometimes formation of a lump on the scalp. In radiologic descriptions, the term 'cone-head sign' is used."

The case study details how the individual was sent to Copenhagen University Hospital in Denmark by his GP. "The patient had engaged in various forms of headspin manoeuvres for over 19 years," the authors wrote.

His practice schedule included roughly five sessions per week, each lasting about 1.5 hours, with two to seven minutes dedicated to head pressure.

"The patient had noted a protuberance on the scalp associated with hair loss," the study said. "Over the last five years, there had been a notable increase in its size and the onset of tenderness. The presence of the lesion and associated discomfort were aesthetically displeasing to the patient, but the protuberance had not hindered the patient from continuing his headspinning activities."

Surgeons carried out a procedure to remove the mass, with before and after images revealing a significant alteration in the man's head shape.

"Despite 'headspin hole' being known within the breakdancing community, it is scarcely documented in the medical literature," the report said. "Surgical treatment for 'headspin hole' in breakdancers appears to be a successful intervention."

Following the surgery, the man, who wishes to remain unnamed, said: "The outcome is much better than how it looked before, and I am glad I had it done. I would choose to do it again if I had the choice. It is now possible for me to go out in public without a cap/ hat which is, of course, a very nice feeling."

He added: "I have received a lot of positive feedback and people say it looks well done, that I have a nice scar and that my overall appearance has improved significantly. Many say that they no longer notice that I have a bump and that my head looks completely normal."