Professional football players have a higher return-to-play rate and longer career after operative treatment than players undergoing non-operative treatment, according to a study published in Spine.
While the authors cited some variables, such as concomitant cervical stenosis, that affected the data, overall performance-based outcomes after surgical treatment for cervical disc herniations were better than previously thought.
Researchers identified 99 National Football League players who were diagnosed with cervical disc herniations and received either operative or non-operative treatment. In the operative group, 72 percent of the player successfully returned to play for 29 games over a 2.8-year period. In the non-operative group, 46 percent of the player successfully returned to play after treatment for approximately 15 games over a 1.5-year period.
Performance scores did not differ significantly between the groups. Defensive backs had poorer outcomes after treatment than any other position. The athlete's age at diagnosis also negatively impacted career longevity.
Read the abstract about football players with cervical disc herniaton.
Read other coverage on spine surgeries:
- Spine Surgeons Participate in Superion ISS Study
- Study: Spinal Neuromodulation Device Can Provide Relief for Lower Back Pain
- Study: Depression Affects Spinal Decompression Outcomes
While the authors cited some variables, such as concomitant cervical stenosis, that affected the data, overall performance-based outcomes after surgical treatment for cervical disc herniations were better than previously thought.
Researchers identified 99 National Football League players who were diagnosed with cervical disc herniations and received either operative or non-operative treatment. In the operative group, 72 percent of the player successfully returned to play for 29 games over a 2.8-year period. In the non-operative group, 46 percent of the player successfully returned to play after treatment for approximately 15 games over a 1.5-year period.
Performance scores did not differ significantly between the groups. Defensive backs had poorer outcomes after treatment than any other position. The athlete's age at diagnosis also negatively impacted career longevity.
Read the abstract about football players with cervical disc herniaton.
Read other coverage on spine surgeries:
- Spine Surgeons Participate in Superion ISS Study
- Study: Spinal Neuromodulation Device Can Provide Relief for Lower Back Pain
- Study: Depression Affects Spinal Decompression Outcomes