Our Summary

This research paper is a review and analysis of other studies looking at how often professional athletes are able to return to their sport after having a specific type of back surgery called a lumbar microdiscectomy. This surgery is used to treat a herniated (or slipped) disc in the lower back.

The researchers looked at a large number of studies (547 in total) but only 14 were relevant to their research. From these, they found data on 558 patients who had the lumbar microdiscectomy surgery. They found that about 83.5% of these athletes were able to return to their sport after the operation, which is a significant result.

The researchers also looked at whether there was a difference in return-to-play rates between athletes who had the surgery and those who didn’t. They found no significant difference.

This suggests that for athletes with a herniated disc, having this type of surgery might not increase their chances of being able to return to their sport. But if time is of the essence, like if an athlete needs to get back to their sport quickly, the surgery could be an option to consider.

The level of evidence provided by this research is considered to be 3 on a scale where 1 is the highest (most reliable) and 5 is the lowest (least reliable).

FAQs

  1. What is a lumbar microdiscectomy surgery and why is it performed?
  2. What percentage of athletes were able to return to their sport after having a lumbar microdiscectomy surgery, according to the research?
  3. Did the research find any significant difference in return-to-play rates between athletes who had the surgery and those who did not?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might give a patient about microdiscectomy is to follow a proper rehabilitation program after the surgery. This may include physical therapy, exercises, and lifestyle modifications to help strengthen the back muscles, improve flexibility, and prevent future injuries. It is important to follow the recommendations of healthcare professionals to optimize recovery and reduce the risk of re-injury.

Suitable For

The patients who are typically recommended for microdiscectomy are those who have a herniated or slipped disc in the lower back that is causing significant pain, numbness, or weakness in the legs. These symptoms may be affecting their ability to perform daily activities or participate in sports or physical activities. Additionally, patients who have tried conservative treatments such as physical therapy, medications, and injections without success may be candidates for microdiscectomy. It is important for patients to discuss their symptoms and treatment options with a healthcare provider to determine if microdiscectomy is the right choice for them.

Timeline

Before the microdiscectomy surgery, a patient may experience symptoms such as lower back pain, leg pain, weakness, numbness, and tingling. They may have tried conservative treatments such as physical therapy, medication, and injections without success. The patient will undergo diagnostic tests such as MRI or CT scans to confirm the presence of a herniated disc.

After the surgery, the patient will typically spend a few days in the hospital for monitoring and recovery. They will gradually start physical therapy to strengthen the muscles around the spine and improve flexibility. It may take several weeks to months for the patient to fully recover and return to their normal activities.

Overall, the timeline for a patient before and after microdiscectomy involves experiencing symptoms, undergoing diagnostic tests, undergoing surgery, and then going through a period of recovery and rehabilitation before eventually returning to their daily activities.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about microdiscectomy include:

  1. What is a microdiscectomy and how does it work to treat a herniated disc?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with microdiscectomy surgery?
  3. What is the success rate of microdiscectomy in relieving pain and improving function?
  4. What is the expected recovery time and rehabilitation process after microdiscectomy surgery?
  5. Are there any alternative treatments or therapies that could be considered before opting for surgery?
  6. What are the long-term outcomes and potential for recurrence of herniated discs after microdiscectomy?
  7. How soon can I expect to return to my normal activities, including sports, after the surgery?
  8. Will I need physical therapy or other follow-up care after the surgery?
  9. How many microdiscectomy surgeries have you performed, and what is your success rate?
  10. Are there any specific factors about my condition or health history that may affect the outcome of the surgery?

Reference

Authors: Overley SC, McAnany SJ, Andelman S, Patterson DC, Cho SK, Qureshi SA, Hsu WK, Hecht AC. Journal: Spine (Phila Pa 1976). 2016 Apr;41(8):713-8. doi: 10.1097/BRS.0000000000001325. PMID: 26641847