Back in the game: analyzing performance outcomes following spinal surgery in WNBA athletes

To evaluate return-to-play (RTP) and postoperative performance outcomes in Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) athletes undergoing spinal surgery.

A retrospective case series was conducted of WNBA athletes who underwent spinal surgery between 2007 and 2020. Athletes were identified through publicly available injury reports, press releases, team transactions, and player profiles. Demographic characteristics, games played, minutes per game, and Player Efficiency Rating (PER) were collected for one pre-index season and up to three postoperative seasons. Changes in performance metrics were compared between preoperative and postoperative periods. Exploratory analyses were performed to assess associations between demographic variables and postoperative performance.

Six WNBA athletes met inclusion criteria. The mean age at the time of surgery was 31.5 years, and the average professional experience was 7.8 years. Five athletes underwent lumbar surgery for disc herniation, while one underwent resection of a lumbar schwannoma. PER decreased by 6.2 and 6.3 points during the first and second postoperative seasons, respectively, although these changes did not reach statistical significance. Games played and minutes per game also declined following surgery. Older age was associated with lower postoperative PER, while greater height was associated with improved postoperative performance.

WNBA athletes undergoing spinal surgery demonstrated declines in playing time and trends toward reduced postoperative performance. Older athletes appeared to experience greater performance declines, whereas taller athletes demonstrated more favorable postoperative outcomes. These findings provide preliminary insight into postoperative expectations following spinal surgery in professional female basketball players and may assist athletes, coaches, and healthcare providers in RTP counseling and decision-making.