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Current Reviews in Musculoskeletal Medicine

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31-03-2023 | Lumbar Disc Herniation

Return-to-Play Outcomes of Athletes After Operative and Nonoperative Treatment of Lumbar Disc Herniation

Authors: Shaelyn B. O’Connor, Kyle J. Holmberg, Jon E. Hammarstedt, Jonathan R. Acosta, Kevin Monahan, Ryan D. Sauber, Daniel T. Altman

Published in: Current Reviews in Musculoskeletal Medicine | Issue 5/2023

Abstract

Purpose of Review

Lumbar disc herniation (LDH) is a common injury experienced by athletes and has important clinical considerations for athletes including the timing of return to sport. Lumbar disc herniation may result in loss of individual training and playing time for athletes. Current literature is inconclusive on whether surgical or conservative treatment of LDH is superior in athletes. Our aim was to review the literature to identify return-to-play (RTP) rates and performance outcomes following operative and nonoperative treatment of LDH in the athletic population.

Recent Findings

Athletes have unique measurements of successful treatment for LDH such as time to return to their sport and performance outcomes that are not as applicable as traditional metrics. It is suggested that surgical treatment may provide a quicker return to sport than nonoperative care in athletes. Additionally, conflicting findings have been seen in career length and performance status based on sport, often due to short and tumultuous career patterns. These differences may be seen based on the unique physical demands of each sport, different motivations to prolong sport, or other confounding factors that could not be controlled for or unrelated to LDH.

Summary

Recent literature on RTP outcomes in athletes treated for LDH show variable results based on sport. Further research is needed to assist physicians and athletes in making the decision to undergo conservative or surgical treatment of LDH in the athletic population.

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Title: Return-to-Play Outcomes of Athletes After Operative and Nonoperative Treatment of Lumbar Disc Herniation
Authors: Shaelyn B. O’Connor
Kyle J. Holmberg
Jon E. Hammarstedt
Jonathan R. Acosta
Kevin Monahan
Ryan D. Sauber
Daniel T. Altman
Publication date: 31-03-2023
Publisher: Springer US
Keywords: Lumbar Disc Herniation
Lumbar Disc Herniation
Published in: Current Reviews in Musculoskeletal Medicine / Issue 5/2023
Electronic ISSN: 1935-9748
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12178-023-09829-z

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Return-to-Play Outcomes of Athletes After Operative and Nonoperative Treatment of Lumbar Disc Herniation

Abstract

Purpose of Review

Recent Findings

Summary

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose of Review

Recent Findings

Summary

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