Performance-Based Outcomes After Nonoperative Treatment, Discectomy, and/or Fusion for a Lumbar Disc Herniation in National Hockey League Athletes

Abstract

National Hockey League players with a lumbar disc herniation have a high return-to-play rate regardless of the type of treatment; however, performance-based outcomes may decrease compared with preinjury levels. The study data suggest that a lumbar fusion is compatible with a return to play in the NHL, which is in contrast to other professional sports.