Summary

The results of our screening program shows high prevalence of degenerative spine disorders among elite short track speed skaters, therefore more preventive measures are needed.

Abstract

Background

Little is known about the prevalence of degenerative spine problems among elite short track speed skates.

Purpose

To investigate the prevalence and characteristics of thoracic and lumbar spine disorders among the members of our national short track speed skating team.
Study Design: Retrospective study.

Methods

16 athletes (9 male/7 female, mean (SD) age 20.6 (4.3) years, height 173.1 (7.8) cm, body mass 65.4 (8.8) kg, body mass index 21.6 (1.6)) from the Hungarian short-track speed skating national team were studied. Each athlete underwent a physical examination, spine mouse evaluation and native thoracic and lumbosacral MRI scan as screening for therapeutic and prevention purposes after the 2015-2016 competitive season. Findings were characterized in terms of anatomic location, type of injury and severity of symptoms.

Results

All 16 national team member athletes were screened for spine disorders. There was no strong correlation between the subjective complaints, results of physical examination and spine mouse measurements results. Out of the 16 athletes the MRI radiologist described intact, undamaged conditions in 7 cases only. Nine (including four with a previous history) had a positive test and/or degenerative changes at least on one level. Two athletes had Scheuermann disease, three had thoracic and/or lumbar scoliosis, four had lumbar spondylosis and discopathy, two had small joint osteoarthritis, and two had severe L5 anteposition with instability. Only one athlete missed the half of the competitive season because of spine problems.

Conclusion

The results of this study suggest that there is a high prevalence of spine disorders in elite competitive short track speed skating. Skaters should be screened for spinal disorders. We found MRI as the most sensitive and accurate diagnostic tool for degenerative spine problems, therefore we recommend more preventive musculoskeletal strengthening even for asymptomatic athletes with moderate degenerative changes on the scans. Without effective screening and prevention programs the prevalence of severe degenerative changes of the thoracolumbar spine is high among young elite skaters.