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Spinal Injuries in the Overhead Athlete

  • Injuries in Overhead Athletes (J Dines and C Camp, Section Editors)
  • Published:
Current Reviews in Musculoskeletal Medicine Aims and scope Submit manuscript

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.

Summary

An effective and comprehensive approach can diagnose, treat, and return overhead athletes to competitive play.

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  1. Marina Spine Center, 4640 Admiralty Way, Suite 600, Marina del Rey, CA, 90292, USA

    Robert G. Watkins IV, David Chang & Robert G. Watkins III

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Watkins, R.G., Chang, D. & Watkins, R.G. Spinal Injuries in the Overhead Athlete. Curr Rev Musculoskelet Med 15, 521–534 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12178-022-09791-2

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