Spinal fusion in the athlete.

Although there are a few anecdotal descriptions of the athlete who has gone on to win fame and fortune following a successful spinal fusion, there has been little, if any, scientific data available to aid the surgeon in his treatment of these highly motivated patients. At present, there is no guide to patient selection or to the operative procedure of choice. There is no standard postoperative rehabilitation program, and to date, an outcome study is sadly lacking. Therefore, it is worthwhile to look into this subject in greater detail.