Breakdancers warned of ‘breakdance bulge’ after bizarre injury caused by too many headspins

Dancers have been urged to avoid spinning if they develop a ‘headspin hole’

MRI scan images show the mass on the man’s head (BMJ Case Reports)

A warning has been issued to breakdancers over ‘breakdance bulge’ caused by headspinning.

It comes after the unusual case of a dancer who developed a cone-shaped mass on his head.

Images show a “protuberance” on top of the man’s scalp after repeated headspins over almost two decades.

The man, in his 30s, kept on headspinning even though the mass had caused discomfort and was “aesthetically displeasing to the patient”, according to a paper published in the journal BMJ Case Reports.

The man sought help when he was in his 30s after “extensive” breakdancing over 19 years.

Medics had to rule out cancer and other potential diseases before diagnosing a “headspin hole”.

The mass was surgically removed with the patient pleased to report that he no longer has to wear a hat in public to hide the mass.

Pictures show the protuberance before and after the operation (BMJ Case Reports)

One of the authors of the paper, Dr Christian Baastrup Sondergaard, told the 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 authors of the paper highlight that breakdancing involves a range of complex and physically demanding techniques which can put strain on certain parts of the body.

The intricate nature of these movements “render breakdancers particularly prone to injuries,” they said.

And prolonged breakdancing can lead to a number of chronic problems, they added.

One of these is “overuse injury to the scalp” from repetitive headspinning, commonly known as a “headspin hole” or a “breakdance bulge”.

“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,” they wrote.

They describe how the man was referred by his GP to the Copenhagen University Hospital in Denmark.

Breakdancers should be mindful of ‘breakdance bulge ,’ experts have said. (Alamy/PA)

“The patient had engaged in various forms of headspin manoeuvres for over 19 years,” they said.

His training regimen consisted of around five sessions each week, each lasting around 1.5 hours, including two to seven minutes where pressure was applied to the head.

“The patient had noted a protuberance on the scalp associated with hair loss,” the medics wrote.

“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.”

Taiwan's Yang Jia Li competes during the women's pre-selection for breakdancing at the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, China, Friday, Oct. 6, 2023. (AP Photo/Louise Delmotte) (Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved)

Surgeons performed an operation to remove the mass, with before and after pictures showing a dramatic change in the shape of the man’s head.

“Despite ‘headspin hole’ being known within the breakdancing community, it is scarcely documented in the medical literature,” they wrote.

“Surgical treatment for ‘headspin hole’ in breakdancers appears to be a successful intervention.”

Speaking after the surgery, the man, who remains anonymous, 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.

“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.”