A fibrous mass on the scalp, hair loss, and pain are the manifestations of the "headspin hole," a unique injury in breakdancers caused by excessive use of repetitive head spins, according to the published report by researchers in Denmark in the medical journal BMJ Case. The publication reveals an unexpected consequence of one of breakdance's most iconic moves: the headspin.
The report is based on a detailed case of a 30-year-old breakdancer who developed a noticeable bulge on the scalp, over 30 centimeters long and over 2.5 centimeters thick, during five years of intensive head spinning practice.
The patient underwent a successful surgical removal of the tumor, leading to aesthetic improvement and symptom relief.
The surgery was performed after a magnetic resonance imaging showed significant subgaleal fibrosis and thickening of the subcutaneous tissue, consistent with the "cone head sign," as explained in the report.
Histological analysis showed extensive fibrosis without malignancy.
Postoperative follow-up indicated high patient satisfaction and a significant reduction in the mass.
This case underscores the importance of recognizing chronic scalp conditions in breakdancers and suggests that surgical intervention can be an effective treatment.
"We believe the condition is the result of repeated friction between the head and the floor, combined with the weight-bearing nature of head spins, accumulated over years of breakdancing," said Dr. Christian Baastrup Søndergaard, a neurosurgery specialist at Rigshospitalet in Copenhagen, as reported by CNN.
"This repetitive strain on the skull, scalp, and skin likely triggers inflammation, and over time, mild bleeding can cause thickening of the skin and scar tissue formation, creating the characteristic lump," explained Søndergaard, a co-author of the case report who treated the patient.
The patient reported discomfort and pain, mentioning that he avoided going out without a hat to hide the bulge.
"It's great to be able to go out in public without a cap or hat. Many people tell me they no longer notice the bulge, and my head looks completely normal," the relieved patient said after surgeons removed the bulge.
Despite some awareness within the breakdancing community about the condition, medical literature on the "headspin hole" remains limited, according to the case report.
An online forum for breakdancers discussed the onset of baldness over time and shared tips such as using padded caps or adding gel pads under a hat while performing the maneuver.
At the 2024 Paris Olympics, breakdance or breaking, as its athletes call it, made its debut as an official sport. It is judged on execution, musicality, originality, and technique.
In addition to the "cone head sign" (headspin hole), breakdancing practice carries other physical risks such as carpal tunnel syndrome and other nerve issues.