| ABSTRACT: |
STUDY DESIGN: An outcomes assessment of 14 elite
college athletes who had undergone lumbar disc surgery was performed using
the SF-36, a validated questionnaire that assesses quality of life. OBJECTIVES:
To determine the outcomes and results of lumbar disc surgery in an elite
group of athletes and compare the results with those in the general population
and in age-matched control subjects. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Lumbar
disc surgery is reported to be a highly successful procedure with excellent
results. The outcome in elite athletes has not been assessed and compared
with population norms and age-matched control subjects. METHODS: Fourteen
athletes from schools in the National Collegiate Athletic Association with
a mean age of 20.7, underwent lumbar discectomy for radiculopathy refractory
to conservative treatment. Ten had a single-level microdiscectomy, three
a two-level microdiscectomy, and one a percutaneous discectomy. Patients
were evaluated at a mean follow-up of 3.1 years, underwent a detailed clinical
evaluation, and filled out the SF-36 questionnaire. RESULTS: All 14 patients
had improvement of pain with elimination of the radicular component, took
less medication than before surgery, and returned to recreational sports.
Nine patients, all with a single level microdiscectomy, returned to varsity
sports. Five athletes prematurely retired from competitive sports because
of continued symptoms. Three of the athletes who retired underwent two-level
procedures, and one had a percutaneous discectomy. SF-36 scores for bodily
pain, physical role, and social and mental health roles were significantly
lower in those athletes who retired. Patient scores were also compared with
those in a group of noninjured age-and sport-matched college athletes. There
were no differences between injured and noninjured athletes, but both groups
had scores significantly lower than normal values in an age-matched group
for bodily pain, physical role, general health, and social function. CONCLUSIONS:
All patients were satisfied with their surgeries, were greatly improved,
and were pain free in activities of daily living. For a single-level microdiscectomy,
the success rate in elite athletes is excellent, with 90% of athletes able
to return to a high level of competition. Two-level disease may be associated
with a less favorable outcome. |