Spinal Injuries In Professional Sports Management And Return To Play - Johan Davis

Description

In this informative presentation, the speaker, a medical professional based in Stellenbosch, discusses the complexities of managing spinal injuries in professional athletes, emphasizing the importance of consent and ethical considerations in their care. He introduces the audience to a case study involving a 21-year-old rugby player who experienced a serious neck injury during training, highlighting the diagnostic imaging processes and the decision-making involved in treatment. The lecturer shares insights into the challenges faced by physicians working with high-level athletes, including external pressures from coaches and the athletes themselves regarding their return to play. He contrasts various sports protective gear and stresses the need for comprehensive evaluations following injuries, particularly spinal injuries. Engaging the audience through interactive surveys, he seeks opinions on treatment options and reflects on the established consensus criteria for return-to-play protocols while emphasizing the significance of subjective and objective symptom resolution before allowing athletes back into competition. He further discusses various types of spinal injuries, including stingers, disk herniation, and spondylolysis, outlining treatment strategies ranging from conservative management to surgical options. The effectiveness of rehabilitation programs and the distinct recovery timelines for athletes after surgical interventions are underscored, as well as the psychological aspects of an athlete's recovery and their mindset towards injury. The presentation concludes with a series of real-life cases that illustrate the clinical decision-making processes involved in treating complex athlete injuries and navigating their safe return to play.

DOI: 10.1302/3114-261290

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