Spondylolisthesis in the elite football player: an epidemiologic study in the NCAA and NFL

Although spondylolisthesis in and of itself is not a contraindication to participation or successful performance in football, having spondylolisthesis may well predispose to symptoms and be associated with a worse prognosis. The purpose of this study was to determine the reported prevalence, treatment approach, outcomes, and perceptions regarding prognosis of elite football players with spondylolisthesis by their National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and National Football League (NFL) team physicians. A questionnaire regarding the prevalence, treatment, results, and perceptions regarding prognosis related to spondylolisthesis in football players was submitted to each team orthopaedic surgeon of the 28 NFL and the Final Associated Press ranked top-25 NCAA Division I teams at the conclusion of the 1993-1994 season. All questionnaires were returned for review. The prevalence of players with known spondylolisthesis currently participating in elite football was 1% in both the NCAA and NFL. Fifty-two percent of NCAA and 43% of NFL team physicians were aware of at least one athlete with spondylolisthesis currently playing. Only six college and two NFL team physicians were aware of athletes surgically treated for spondylolisthesis. Sixty-four percent of NFL team physicians and 36% of college team physicians believed that the presence of spondylolisthesis implies a poor prognosis. Ninety-six percent of professional team physicians downgraded the rating of players with known spondylolisthesis before the NFL draft.