Our Summary

This study looked at how professional athletes from the NFL, NBA, NHL, and MLB performed after having surgery for a lower back problem called Lumbar Disc Herniation. The researchers gathered data from various public sources between 1993 and 2015, and found that on average, athletes’ performance was likely to decrease after the surgery. NFL players were the least likely to return to play, and also had the shortest careers post-surgery. Baseball players took the longest to recover and return to their pre-surgery performance level. The study suggests that while some players may perform well in the initial years after surgery, there is generally a long-term decline in performance. However, the study had limitations, such as a small sample size and not accounting for other factors that could affect performance. More research is needed to fully understand the impact of this type of surgery on elite athletes.

FAQs

  1. What is the impact of lumbar disc herniation surgery on the performance of professional athletes?
  2. How does the post-surgery recovery and performance differ among athletes from NFL, NBA, NHL, and MLB?
  3. What limitations were present in the study analyzing the impact of lumbar disc herniation surgery on professional athletes?

Doctor’s Tip

A doctor might tell a patient considering microdiscectomy that while the surgery can provide relief from symptoms of Lumbar Disc Herniation, it is important to have realistic expectations about post-surgery performance. It is important to follow a comprehensive rehabilitation program and listen to your body to ensure a successful recovery and return to physical activity. It is also important to consult with your healthcare team to determine if microdiscectomy is the best treatment option for your specific condition.

Suitable For

Microdiscectomy is typically recommended for patients who have not experienced relief from conservative treatments such as physical therapy, medication, and injections for at least 6 weeks. Patients who have severe and persistent leg pain, weakness, and numbness due to a herniated disc in the lumbar spine may benefit from microdiscectomy. It is important for patients to undergo a thorough evaluation by a spine specialist to determine if they are a suitable candidate for microdiscectomy.

Timeline

Before microdiscectomy:

  • Patient experiences lower back pain, leg pain, numbness, and weakness
  • Patient undergoes diagnostic tests such as MRI or CT scan to confirm the presence of a herniated disc
  • Patient may try conservative treatments such as physical therapy, medications, and injections to manage symptoms
  • If conservative treatments are ineffective, patient may be recommended for microdiscectomy surgery

After microdiscectomy:

  • Patient undergoes surgery to remove the herniated portion of the disc
  • Patient may experience some pain and discomfort in the immediate post-operative period
  • Patient undergoes physical therapy to strengthen the back and improve mobility
  • Patient gradually resumes normal activities and may experience a reduction in symptoms such as leg pain and numbness
  • Patient may need to follow up with their surgeon for post-operative check-ups and monitoring of recovery progress.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What exactly is a microdiscectomy and how does it work to treat lumbar disc herniation?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with microdiscectomy surgery?
  3. What is the success rate of microdiscectomy surgery for patients with my specific condition?
  4. What is the recovery process like after microdiscectomy surgery and how long will it take for me to return to normal activities?
  5. Are there any specific restrictions or limitations I should follow after surgery?
  6. What other treatment options are available for my condition and how do they compare to microdiscectomy surgery?
  7. How likely am I to experience a recurrence of my symptoms after undergoing microdiscectomy surgery?
  8. Are there any long-term implications or risks associated with having this surgery?
  9. How many microdiscectomy surgeries have you performed and what is your success rate with this procedure?
  10. Can you provide me with any additional resources or information to help me make an informed decision about undergoing microdiscectomy surgery?

Reference

Authors: Kajy M, Higginbotham DO, Ball G, Vaidya R. Journal: Spartan Med Res J. 2022 Feb 24;7(1):30766. doi: 10.51894/001c.30766. eCollection 2022. PMID: 35291710