[Spinal column injuries in sport: treatment strategies and clinical results]

Abstract

Background: The management of patients with sport-related injuries of the spine is a challenging issue with regard to the ability to resume former sport activities. The current study analyses the rate of resumption of sports participation after conservative and operative treatment.

Methods: In a 2-year period, 96 patients with sport-related injuries of the thoracic and lumbar spine were included in this prospective study. Conservative (19%) or operative treatment (81%) was performed depending on the extent, severity and instability of the trauma. The reduction, the loss of reduction over time and the VAS and Odom scores were assessed. A questionnaire was included to estimate the rate of resumption of sports participation.

Results: Of the patients 91% resumed sports participation and 9% had to abandon all sport activities mostly due to neurological deficits. Minor loss of correction was found in patients with 360 degrees short segment fusions and major loss was found after conservative treatment.

Conclusion: The current management of injuries of the spine effectuates a high rate of resumption of sports activity following conservative or operative treatment.