gms | German Medical Science

Introduction: For the treatment of a soft disc herniation in the cervical spine the arthroplasty is often indicated in young patients. Especially this group of young patients has a high activity level with frequent exercising. However, the literature shows no data about the chances for a return to sports after arthroplasty of the cervical spine. Therefore, the present study aimed to adress this question in a prospective observational design.

Materials and methods: 47 patients treated since May 2006. Clinical status and radiographic parameters were evaluated in the follow up. In addition, neck disability index, VAS and a questionnaire concerning athlete aspects (kind of sports, activity level, time of return, frequency of exercise, discomfort during activity, modified Tegner activity score) was analyzed.

Results: A total of 47 (f=24, m=23) patients with a single level soft disc herniation were treated with the Prestige® cervical disc. The average age was 40.45 years and mean follow-up was 22 months. Mean neck disability index was 13% (no/mild disability) and mean VAS was 2.6 postoperative. Two professionals (luge, bobsleigh athlete), 20 semi-professionals, 20 hobby athletes and 5 without any sports activity were operated. Mean time to resumption of sporting activity was 11 weeks after surgery. Both professionals participated in the Olympic Games after their operation and all semi-professionals recovered to their previous activity level. 105% of the hobby athletes recovered to sport (20 plus 1 initially “non-sportive”). Mean frequency per week was 2.9 preoperative and 2.7 postoperative. Mean duration of activity was 5.4 preoperative and 5.1 postoperative hours per week. The tegner-score was 3.8 preoperative as well as postoperative. Only 36% of all athletes were handicapped in their sporting activity by pain or cervical flexibility.

Conclusion: In this first series assessing sports in patients with cervical arthroplasty we could detect that the implantation of a cervical disc prothesis does not prohibit sporting activities. Even world cup class in high impact sports is possible. All patients recovered to previous activities in appropriate intensity level.