Return to play following craniotomy for non-traumatic brain lesions

Area of Science:

• Neurosurgery
• Neurology
• Oncology

Background:

• Return to play (RTP) decisions after cranial surgery are crucial for patients.
• Existing research primarily focuses on RTP after sports-related brain injuries, leaving a gap for non-traumatic brain lesions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the factors influencing neurosurgical RTP decision-making following craniotomy for non-traumatic brain lesions.
• To understand the timelines and considerations for RTP in various sports after brain surgery.

Main Methods:

• A survey was distributed to neurosurgeons in the U.S. and Europe.
• The survey included patient scenarios with varying demographics, tumor pathology, and surgical approaches.
• Neurosurgeons provided RTP recommendations and identified key influencing factors.

Main Results:

• Symptomatic recovery (85.4%) and imaging resolution (43.4%) were the most cited factors for RTP decisions.
• Boxing (10.3 months), rugby (8.7 months), and American football (8.5 months) had the longest RTP timelines.
• Twenty-nine percent of neurosurgeons requested pre-RTP neuroimaging, more frequently in the U.S. than Europe.

Conclusions:

• The study provides a foundation for a systematic approach to RTP after craniotomy for non-traumatic brain lesions.
• Further research with objective outcome data is needed to develop consensus guidelines.
• The role of repeat imaging in RTP decisions warrants further investigation.