Dr. Maroon received an athletic scholarship to Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana where as an undergraduate, he was named a Scholastic All-American in football. Dr. Maroon has successfully maintained his personal athletic interests through participation in 9 marathons and more than 72 Olympic-distance triathlon events. However, his greatest athletic accomplishment is his participation in 8 Ironman triathlons (Hawaii – 1993, 2003, 2008, 2010, 2013; Canada – 1995; New Zealand – 1997; Germany – 2000), where he usually finishes in the top 10 of his age group. Recently, in July 2012 and 2013, he finished second and third, respectively, in his age group in the Muncie, Indiana half Ironman triathlon. In October 2013 he completed his 5th World Championship Ironman in Kona, Hawaii.Video Interview by Dr. Maroon on Cervical Fusion in Professional Athletes
See Video at – Outcomes After Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion in Professional Athletes
Originally Posted by UPMC Physician Resources on Monday, June 24th 2013
A recent study examined return-to-play decisions and outcomes for 15 professional athletes with cervical spine injuries.
Joseph Maroon, MD, vice chairman, Department of Neurological Surgery, discusses the study and its findings which will appear in the July issue of Neurosurgery.
Abstract:
Significant controversy exists regarding when an athlete may return to contact sports after anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF). Return-to-play (RTP) recommendations are complicated due to a mix of medical factors, social pressures, and limited outcome data.
OBJECTIVE:
The aim of this study was to characterize our diagnostic and surgical criteria, intervention, postoperative imaging results, and rehabilitation and report RTP decisions and outcomes for professional athletes with cervical spine injuries.
METHODS:
Fifteen professional athletes who had undergone a 1-level ACDF by a single neurosurgeon were identified after a retrospective chart and radiographic review from 2003 to 2012. Patient records and imaging studies were recorded.
RESULTS:
Seven of the 15 athletes presented with neurapraxia, 8 with cervical radiculopathy, and 2 with hyperintensity of the spinal cord. Cervical stenosis with effacement of the cerebrospinal fluid signal was noted in 14 subjects. The operative level included C3-4 (4 patients), C4-5 (1 patient), C5-6 (8 patients), and C6-7 (2 patients). All athletes were cleared for RTP after a neurological examination with normal findings, and radiographic criteria for early fusion were confirmed. Thirteen of the 15 players returned to their sport between 2 and 12 months postoperatively (mean, 6 months), with 8 still participating. The RTP duration of the 5 who retired after full participation ranged from 1 to 3 years. All athletes remain asymptomatic for radicular or myelopathic symptoms or signs.
CONCLUSION:
After a single-level ACDF, an athlete may return to contact sports if there are normal findings on a neurological examination, full range of neck movement, and solid arthrodesis. There may be an increased risk of the development of adjacent segment disease above or below the level of fusion. Cord hyperintensity may not necessarily preclude RTP.
Outcomes after anterior cervical discectomy and fusion in professional athletes. Maroon JC, Bost JW, Petraglia AL, Lepere DB, Norwig J, Amann C, Sampson M, El-Kadi M.Neurosurgery. 2013 Jul;73(1):103-12. doi: 10.1227/01.neu.0000429843.68836.91.