Presentation Type

Poster Presentation

Category

STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics)

Abstract/Artist Statement

Background: Cervical disc herniations (CDH) commonly occur between the ages of 51 and 60. Research suggests that less than 2% of patients with CDH were male and between the age of 20-29. The NFL reported 9 cases of CDH, from a singular traumatic event between 2001 and 2011. This case study examines a collegiate-aged male, a demographic not commonly associated with CDH. The typical presentation of CDH includes neck pain with unilateral numbness and tingling. CDH in young healthy adults is unusual and the clinical presentation, in this case, differs from what is commonly reported. This patient had no neurological symptoms.

Intervention or Treatment: Initial intervention included, passive ROM, massage, and traction. Working with both a physical therapist and the athletic training staff. A soft collar was provided to help support the neck, as well as cyclobenzaprine and Toradol to help with pain and spasm. Post-MRI and X-ray a soft cervical collar and passive range of motion treatment were all that was provided. Surgery included a single-level fusion at C3/4, with an anterior plate and a spacer. The athlete was told approximately 6 months of rehabilitation would be needed before returning to play. This would allow the athlete to return for spring football.

Outcomes: Complete resolution of signs and symptoms occurred following anterior discectomy and fusion of the C3/4-disc herniation. Return to sports post-surgery for a C3/C4 CDH.

Conclusions: Cervical disc herniation in young males rarely occurs. Additionally, presentation, in this case, was atypical with no neurological deficits. Imaging was warranted to achieve the correct diagnosis and treatment.

Clinical Bottom Line: This patient’s case may provide further insight into atypical clinical presentations of CDH. A typical presentation of neurological deficits was not evident in this case. This case can also present insight into the return to play process at the collegiate level, following a CDH.

Mentor Name

Valerie Moody

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Feb 24th, 5:00 PM Feb 24th, 6:00 PM

Cervical Disk Rupture in a Collegiate Football Player: A Case Study

UC North Ballroom

Background: Cervical disc herniations (CDH) commonly occur between the ages of 51 and 60. Research suggests that less than 2% of patients with CDH were male and between the age of 20-29. The NFL reported 9 cases of CDH, from a singular traumatic event between 2001 and 2011. This case study examines a collegiate-aged male, a demographic not commonly associated with CDH. The typical presentation of CDH includes neck pain with unilateral numbness and tingling. CDH in young healthy adults is unusual and the clinical presentation, in this case, differs from what is commonly reported. This patient had no neurological symptoms.

Intervention or Treatment: Initial intervention included, passive ROM, massage, and traction. Working with both a physical therapist and the athletic training staff. A soft collar was provided to help support the neck, as well as cyclobenzaprine and Toradol to help with pain and spasm. Post-MRI and X-ray a soft cervical collar and passive range of motion treatment were all that was provided. Surgery included a single-level fusion at C3/4, with an anterior plate and a spacer. The athlete was told approximately 6 months of rehabilitation would be needed before returning to play. This would allow the athlete to return for spring football.

Outcomes: Complete resolution of signs and symptoms occurred following anterior discectomy and fusion of the C3/4-disc herniation. Return to sports post-surgery for a C3/C4 CDH.

Conclusions: Cervical disc herniation in young males rarely occurs. Additionally, presentation, in this case, was atypical with no neurological deficits. Imaging was warranted to achieve the correct diagnosis and treatment.

Clinical Bottom Line: This patient’s case may provide further insight into atypical clinical presentations of CDH. A typical presentation of neurological deficits was not evident in this case. This case can also present insight into the return to play process at the collegiate level, following a CDH.