Abstract
Surgical management of lumbar spine conditions can produce excellent outcomes in athletes. Microdiscectomy for lumbar disc herniation has favorable outcomes; most athletes return to play at preoperative performance levels. Direct pars repair is successful in younger athletes, with high rates of return to play for a variety of fixation techniques. Fusion in athletes with scoliosis is a negative predictor. There are few evidence-based return to play criteria. Athletes should demonstrate full resolution of symptoms and flexibility, endurance, and strength before returning to play. Deciding when to return an athlete to sport depends on particular injury sustained, sport, and individual factors.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 609-619 |
Number of pages | 11 |
Journal | Clinics in Sports Medicine |
Volume | 35 |
Issue number | 4 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Oct 1 2016 |
Keywords
- Athlete
- Lumbar spine injury
- Lumbar spine surgery
- Performance outcomes
- Return to play
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Orthopedics and Sports Medicine
- Physical Therapy, Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation