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Updated: May 29, 2026
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Full-Endoscopic Isolation Zone Technique for the Treatment of Lumbar Disc Herniation
Published on: April 7, 2023
Lumbar Disk Herniation in Athletes.
Sohrab Vatsia1, Michael F Levidy, Jesse E Bible
1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, PA.
Sports Medicine and Arthroscopy Review
|May 28, 2026
Summary
Lumbar disk herniation (LDH) management in athletes involves conservative and surgical options. Most athletes successfully return to play after treatment, with individualized plans crucial for recovery and career longevity.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Sports Medicine
- Neurosurgery
Background:
- Lumbar disk herniation (LDH) is a prevalent cause of low back pain and radiculopathy in athletes, especially those in contact sports.
- Athletes face unique challenges due to biomechanical spinal stress and pressure for rapid return-to-play (RTP).
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the epidemiology, biomechanics, pathophysiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis, treatment, RTP considerations, and outcomes of LDH in athletic populations.
- To highlight successful management strategies and factors influencing recovery and career longevity in athletes with LDH.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature review on lumbar disk herniation in athletes.
- Synthesis of information on conservative and surgical treatment outcomes.
- Analysis of sport-specific demands on recovery and RTP.
Main Results:
- Both conservative and surgical interventions can successfully manage LDH in athletes.
- Most athletes achieve pain relief and return to play without lasting limitations.
- Microdiscectomy provides reliable outcomes, and nonoperative care is effective for the majority.
Conclusions:
- Individualized rehabilitation and RTP planning are essential, considering sport-specific demands.
- Athletes with LDH, even in high-risk sports, have a high probability of returning to play with appropriate management.
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