Our Summary

This research paper studied how young athletes (21 years old or younger) recovered from a specific type of back surgery called lumbar microdiscectomy. This surgery is often performed when an athlete has a herniated disc in their spine. The study looked at 38 patients (25 males and 13 females) who had this surgery and found that 71% of them were able to return to their sport after an average of 4.5 months. The study also found that factors like the athlete’s gender, the level of their sport (high school or college), and the number of discs operated on did not significantly impact the likelihood of the athlete being able to return to their sport. Overall, the study concluded that young athletes have a good chance of returning to their sport after having a lumbar microdiscectomy.

FAQs

  1. What is a lumbar microdiscectomy and why is it performed on young athletes?
  2. What factors were found to not significantly impact the likelihood of an athlete returning to their sport after a lumbar microdiscectomy?
  3. What percentage of young athletes were able to return to their sport after having a lumbar microdiscectomy according to the study?

Doctor’s Tip

A doctor might tell a patient recovering from a microdiscectomy to start with gentle exercises and gradually increase activity as tolerated. It is important to follow the rehabilitation plan provided by the medical team to ensure a successful recovery and minimize the risk of re-injury. Additionally, maintaining a healthy weight, practicing good posture, and avoiding activities that put strain on the back can help prevent future issues. Remember to communicate any concerns or changes in symptoms to your healthcare provider during the recovery process.

Suitable For

Microdiscectomy is typically recommended for patients who have a herniated disc in their spine that is causing severe pain, numbness, or weakness in the legs. This surgery is often considered when conservative treatments such as physical therapy, medication, and injections have not provided relief.

Patients who are good candidates for microdiscectomy are those who have symptoms that are not improving with conservative treatments, have significant leg pain or weakness, have not experienced relief after at least 6 weeks of conservative treatment, and have a herniated disc that is pressing on a nerve root.

It is important for patients to consult with a spine specialist to determine if microdiscectomy is the best treatment option for their specific condition. The decision to undergo surgery should be carefully considered and discussed with a healthcare provider to ensure the best possible outcome.

Timeline

Before microdiscectomy:

  1. Patient experiences back pain, leg pain, and/or weakness due to a herniated disc in the spine.
  2. Patient undergoes diagnostic tests such as MRI or X-ray to confirm the diagnosis.
  3. Patient may try conservative treatments like physical therapy, pain medication, or epidural injections to manage the symptoms.

After microdiscectomy:

  1. Patient undergoes the surgical procedure to remove the herniated disc material pressing on the nerve.
  2. Patient is monitored in the hospital for a short period of time post-surgery.
  3. Patient may experience some pain and discomfort in the immediate post-operative period.
  4. Patient begins physical therapy and rehabilitation to strengthen the back muscles and improve mobility.
  5. Patient gradually increases activity level under the guidance of their healthcare provider.
  6. Patient slowly returns to normal activities, including sports, as they recover.
  7. Patient continues to follow up with their healthcare provider for monitoring and follow-up care.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What is the success rate of microdiscectomy for patients with a herniated disc like mine?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with microdiscectomy?
  3. What is the expected recovery time after the surgery?
  4. Will I need physical therapy or rehabilitation after the surgery?
  5. How soon can I return to physical activity or sports after the surgery?
  6. Are there any restrictions or limitations I should be aware of after the surgery?
  7. What are the long-term outcomes or potential complications I should be aware of?
  8. Will I need any follow-up appointments or imaging studies after the surgery?
  9. How experienced are you in performing microdiscectomy procedures?
  10. Are there any alternative treatments or therapies I should consider before deciding on surgery?

Reference

Authors: Cordover JB, Fleisig GS, Raszewski JA, Dumont AS, Cordover AM. Journal: World Neurosurg. 2022 Jul;163:e516-e521. doi: 10.1016/j.wneu.2022.04.025. Epub 2022 Apr 11. PMID: 35421588