Recognition and Management of Spinal Cord Injuries in Sports and Recreation

Outcomes After Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion in Professional Athletes

“…Several authors have reported through experiential guidelines and management algorithms that there is no contraindication to RTP after a single-level anterior cervical fusion if an individual has a solid arthrodesis, absence of neurological deficits, and normal cervical range of motion. [3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10]24,29 Overall, these recommendations are primarily based on expert opinion resulting from clinical experience and indirect literature on the topic. In 1997, Torg and Ramsey-Emrhein 8 set forth one of the earliest recommendations regarding RTP in the setting of cervical fusion.…”

“…[1][2][3] Noncatastrophic cervical spine injuries associated with transient myelopathy (neurapraxia), and/or radiculopathy often require additional investigation and potentially surgical intervention. 1 There are additional pressures and considerations with high-profile athletes regarding any surgical intervention for a cervical spine injury.…”

An Unusual Case of Myelopathy: Surfer's Myelopathy

“…In developed countries, athletic injury is the third most common cause of traumatic spinal cord injury and may represent up to 20% of new cases 4 . Though preventative strategies have been developed, the burden of injury and disability remains significant.…”

Italian consensus statement (2020) on return to play after lower limb muscle injury in football (soccer)

“…Individuals such as the coach, technical staff and others may exert pressure on the RTT and RTP decision-making process 29 43 44 94 98–103. A potential conflict of interest exists between the athlete’s needs and wishes of the coach, technical staff and/or the management team of the club 100 104 105.…”