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Review
. 2022 Dec;15(6):521-534.
doi: 10.1007/s12178-022-09791-2. Epub 2022 Sep 29.

Spinal Injuries in the Overhead Athlete

Robert G Watkins 4th  1 , David Chang  2 , Robert G Watkins 3rd  2
Affiliations
Review

Spinal Injuries in the Overhead Athlete

Robert G Watkins 4th et al. Curr Rev Musculoskelet Med. 2022 Dec.

Abstract

Purpose of review: Treatment of overhead athletes requires a systematic approach that will make an accurate diagnosis, deliver effective treatment, and make timely and safe return to sport.

Recent findings: New data has shown success rates and return to play effectiveness after different types of cervical and lumbar surgery. Cervical foraminotomy has been shown to have the highest rate and fastest return to play, but with the highest incidence of need for revision surgery. Cervical artificial disc replacement has shown promising results in the general population and is being done more commonly in elite athletes, but has an unknown risk for failure. Cervical fusion is a well-established and effective treatment, but has the longest healing time and risk for adjacent level pathology. In the lumbar spine, discectomy has a long and proven track record, fusion is rarely performed but can be effective, and artificial disc replacement is extremely rare in an elite athlete. An effective and comprehensive approach can diagnose, treat, and return overhead athletes to competitive play.

Keywords: Athlete; Cervical; Lumbar; Overhead; Spine; Sport.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no competing interests.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
MRI axial image of acute cervical disc herniation
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Cervical stenosis with myelomalacia at C3–C4 in football player
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
Fusion with titanium-coated PEEK implant filled with iliac crest autograft
Fig. 4
Fig. 4
Disc herniation at C3–C4 compressing the spinal cord in baseball player
Fig. 5
Fig. 5
Artificial disc replacement at C3–C4
Fig. 6
Fig. 6
Positive CT-SPECT indicating of stress reaction in L4 pedicle
Fig. 7
Fig. 7
Image-guided lag screw of pars and pedicle
Fig. 8
Fig. 8
Four-month postoperative CT scan of pars repair
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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