Chicago Blackhawks forward Tyler Johnson is the second active NHL player to undergo artificial disc replacement and returned to the ice against the Edmonton Oilers on March 3, exactly three months after surgery, according to nhl.com.
Mr. Johnson received advice from Jack Eichel, a Las Vegas Golden Knights player who underwent artificial disc replacement in November. The players spoke on the phone about what the surgery and rehabilitation process entailed.
"With the [ADR], they say that normally you feel how you were before, but to be honest, I feel better," Mr. Johnson said. "I haven't been able to sleep on my stomach in probably four years because of this, and now I'm able to do that, so that's pretty cool. It's honestly crazy. I don't wake up in the morning with a stiff neck anymore."
Neurosurgeon Chad Prusmack, MD, operated on Mr. Eichel at Rocky Mountain Spine Clinic in Denver. The Golden Knights traded for Mr. Eichel after a reported disagreement over his treatment with his former team, the Buffalo Sabres, which preferred spinal fusion, according to the Chicago Tribune.
Robert Bray Jr., MD, of Newport Beach, Calif.-based DISC Sports and Spine Center, performed Mr. Johnson's spine surgery.