Last Friday, Tony Romo underwent surgery for a herniated disk sustained during a game with the Washington Redskins.
It was reported to be a herniated disk at the L4-5 level. In April, Romo underwent surgery for what the Dallas Cowboys called a “spinal cyst” and recovered uneventfully. These cysts are more precisely known as facet cysts and are usually a precursor to a more serious condition, degenerative spondylolisthesis.
Degenerative spondylolisthesis is a genetic condition that develops as we age. Essentially, the disk between two vertebrae begins to degenerate, most commonly at the L4-L5 level. The L4 vertebra then “slips” forward on the L5 vertebra creating a pinching of the spinal canal and nerves. Usually the disk deforms during this process and can easily herniate.
The Dallas Cowboys are reporting that the two injuries are unrelated and Romo should make a full recovery. However, if the cyst and the herniation are at the same level (i.e.L4-L5) this is a sign of instability in the spinal segment. These issues ARE related and could mean that Romo is developing spondylolisthesis, a condition treated with a spinal fusion.
A precursor to this condition is the development of a facet cyst. These cysts develop due to the instability between the vertebrae. The cysts can be easily removed, however they frequently recur and when they do require a lumbar spinal fusion.
If Romo’s cyst and herniated disk occurred at the same level this indicates the instability is getting worse. He has now had both bone and disk removed at the same level and the vicious cycle of instability is underway. A spinal fusion is the next surgical step should he herniated again or develop another cyst.
Spinal fusion in the lumbar spine would be a career ending surgery, much different from the cervical fusion from which Peyton Manning is recovering.
At this point we can only speculate what the exact injuries were since the Cowboys are not releasing any specific information. For Romo’s sake, we hope the injuries are at separate levels and he continues to have a long and productive career.
Dr. Banco is a board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopaedic spinal surgeon. He attended medical school at Jefferson Medical College followed by an orthopaedic surgery residency at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, both in Philadelphia. Dr. Banco performed his spinal fellowship at The New England Baptist Hospital in Boston, MA.
FAQs
Of the three types of herniated discs, sequestered herniation is often the most severe. It occurs when the nucleus erupts out of the outer layer of the disc.
What type of back surgery did Tony Romo have? ›
It likely a micro-discectomy which typically take 30 minutes to an hour-and-a-half, depending on the severity.
Is a herniated disc a career ending injury? ›
The severity of the herniation is one of the most crucial factors that determine whether it can end a career or not. In mild cases, where the herniation is small and not pressing on any nerves, the symptoms may be minimal or absent altogether.
What is the most successful herniated disc surgery? ›
Microdiscectomy may provide the relief you seek if you've reached a point where conservative treatments do not succeed. This surgical procedure, often hailed as the gold standard for addressing herniated discs, offers the promise of relief and recovery.
What happens if you have a herniated disc for too long? ›
If left untreated, a herniated disc in the back can cause chronic pain and occasional discomfort. It can lead to permanent nerve damage if it is not treated.
Can you be paralyzed from a herniated disc? ›
Rarely, disk herniation can compress the entire spinal canal, including all the nerves of the cauda equina. In rare instances, emergency surgery might be needed to avoid permanent weakness or paralysis.
What is a good settlement for a herniated disc? ›
The median compensation payout for a herniated disc injury is between $80,000 to $150,000. Severe herniated disc injuries (involving major complications) can be worth more than twice this amount. Remember, we are talking about civil personal injury claims.
What will the compensation be for a herniated disc? ›
Because there are so many variables involved (surgery/no surgery, insurance coverage of at-fault driver, etc.), herniated disc claims can settle for as high as $1,000,000 or as low as $1,000. It really all depends on the facts of the case.
Is herniated disc a permanent disability? ›
In many cases, yes, you can, however, you will have to prove several things. First, you must demonstrate that the herniated disk compromises a nerve root, thereby causing serious, distributed pain. This pain must cause a loss or serious reduction in motor function, reflexes, or impair your sensory abilities.
What is the new treatment for herniated discs? ›
November 15, 2023. PHILADELPHIA— A new biologic “patch” that is activated by a person's natural motion could be the key to fixing herniated discs in people's backs, according to researchers at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania and the CMC VA Medical Center (CMCVAMC).
A patient may be considered a candidate for spinal surgery if: Radicular pain limits normal activity or impairs quality of life. Progressive neurological deficits develop, such as leg weakness and/or numbness. Loss of normal bowel and bladder functions.
Has anyone fully recovered from herniated disc? ›
The question as to whether a disc herniation fully heals is harder to answer. Spinal discs can heal, and they can also become asymptomatic without fully healing. You may consider yourself healed if you're out of pain with restored movement. But the absence of pain doesn't always equal healing.
Which of the following is the most serious disc herniation? ›
The most serious complication from a herniated disc is the development of the cauda equina syndrome. This results when a very large fragment of disc material is ruptured into the spinal canal in the area where the nerves that control the bowels and bladder travel before they leave the spine.
What is considered a massive disc herniation? ›
or some time, researchers and physicians considered a large herniated disc to be any spinal disc that extends beyond its normal anatomy by 6 mm or more, the so-called “6 mm rule.” Many online sources suggest a large herniated disc is 3 mm or larger, but no evidence supports this definition.
