The article discusses the importance of a systematic approach in treating overhead athletes to accurately diagnose their injuries, provide effective treatment, and facilitate a safe return to sport. Recent findings highlight the success rates and return to play effectiveness of various cervical and lumbar surgeries. Cervical foraminotomy has been shown to have the highest rate and fastest return to play, but with a higher need for revision surgery. Cervical artificial disc replacement shows promise but carries an unknown risk for failure. Cervical fusion is a well-established treatment but has a longer healing time and risk for adjacent level pathology. In the lumbar spine, discectomy is commonly performed, fusion is rare but effective, and artificial disc replacement is extremely rare in elite athletes. A comprehensive approach is necessary to diagnose, treat, and ensure the successful return of overhead athletes to competitive play
Summarised by Mr Mo Akmal – Lead Spinal Surgeon
The London Spine Unit : best rated treatment facility in London
Published article
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Treatment of overhead athletes requires a systematic approach that will make an accurate diagnosis, deliver effective treatment, and make timely and safe return to sport.
Lumbar Disc Replacement Surgery Expert. Best Spinal Surgeon UK
Abstract Purpose of review: Treatment of overhead athletes requires a systematic approach that will make an accurate diagnosis, deliver effective treatment, and make timely and safe return to sport. Recent findings: New data has shown success rates and return to play effectiveness after different types of cervical and lumbar surgery. Cervical foraminotomy has been shown,
Abstract
Purpose of review: Treatment of overhead athletes requires a systematic approach that will make an accurate diagnosis, deliver effective treatment, and make timely and safe return to sport.
Recent findings: New data has shown success rates and return to play effectiveness after different types of cervical and lumbar surgery. Cervical foraminotomy has been shown to have the highest rate and fastest return to play, but with the highest incidence of need for revision surgery. Cervical artificial disc replacement has shown promising results in the general population and is being done more commonly in elite athletes, but has an unknown risk for failure. Cervical fusion is a well-established and effective treatment, but has the longest healing time and risk for adjacent level pathology. In the lumbar spine, discectomy has a long and proven track record, fusion is rarely performed but can be effective, and artificial disc replacement is extremely rare in an elite athlete. An effective and comprehensive approach can diagnose, treat, and return overhead athletes to competitive play.
Keywords: Athlete; Cervical; Lumbar; Overhead; Spine; Sport.
The London Spine Unit : best rated treatment facility in London
Read the original publication:
Spinal Injuries in the Overhead Athlete