Drs. Vaccaro and Schroeder, both of Rothman Orthopaedic Institute in Philadelphia, led a survey study that included more than 100 spine surgeons with experience treating neck injuries in collision athletes, particularly in the NFL.
The survey featured three rounds of questions with participation of NFL team physicians.
Surgeons found consensus regarding the ability of athletes without symptoms to return to play, provided their spinal canal did not indicate abnormal narrowing and an MRI showed no signal changes.
Additionally, athletes with adequate healing after certain neck fractures can return to play if there is no neck instability. They also concluded that those without symptoms and no MRI spinal cord changes after a one-level anterior neck fusion procedure can return to play.
“It is a strong step in the right direction,” Dr. Schroeder said. “Additional formal studies that evaluate the most effective treatment plan for these injuries, and optimal timing for return-to-play are still necessary.”
The study will be featured in the October issue of Neurosurgery.
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