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Cervical Stenosis in the Elite Athlete

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Spinal Conditions in the Athlete

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Abstract

There is limited evidence available on treating the elite athlete with cervical stenosis. While many of the treatment principles from the general population can be applied to the elite athlete, the rigors of their sport require a nuanced, case-by-case approach. The presentation of cervical stenosis can range from an asymptomatic radiographic finding to quadriparesis. Return to play (RTP) for professional athletes with cervical stenosis is a controversial topic. Clinical history, physical exam, imaging characteristics, and sport played are the four critical factors to consider when providing recommendation to the elite athlete with CS. Most athletes can successfully RTP after a single-level anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF), and players have also RTP after multilevel procedures.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Columbia Orthopaedic Group, Columbia, MO, USA

    Tyler J. Jenkins

  2. Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Neurosurgery, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA

    John M. Rhee

  3. Department of Orthopaedics, Emory University Hospital, Atlanta, GA, USA

    John G. Heller

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  1. Tyler J. Jenkins
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  2. John M. Rhee
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  3. John G. Heller
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Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA

    Wellington K. Hsu

  2. Columbia Orthopedic Group, Columbia, MO, USA

    Tyler J. Jenkins

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Jenkins, T.J., Rhee, J.M., Heller, J.G. (2020). Cervical Stenosis in the Elite Athlete. In: Hsu, W., Jenkins, T. (eds) Spinal Conditions in the Athlete. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-26207-5_12

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-26207-5_12

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, Cham

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-030-26206-8

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-030-26207-5

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