A NARRATIVE REVIEW ON TENNIS-RELATED SPINAL PATHOLOGIES

B. Bauchiero¹ , S. Spadafora¹, S. Legrenzi² , G. Placella³ , V. Salini³

¹ Università Vita-Salute San Raffaele, Piazza Ospedale Maggiore 3, Milan, Italy
² Department of Orthopedic Surgery and Traumatology, ASST GOM Niguarda, Milan, Italy
³ Vita-Salute University, IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, Milan, Italy

Correspondence to:

Journal of Orthopedics 2022 May-Aug; 14(2): 83-87
https://doi.org/10.69149/orthopedics/2022v14iss2_6

Received: 17 June 2022 Accepted: 28 July 2022

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Abstract

Tennis is one of Italy’s most popular sports, boasting over 1 million registered players and 3 million recreational participants. Despite its asymmetrical nature, tennis involves several movements that engage the entire musculoskeletal system. While acute injuries are rare, chronic conditions related to overuse are prevalent, particularly among players over 25. Common injuries include tendinopathies, muscle strains, and lower back pain. Adolescent players exhibit a higher incidence of lower limb injuries, while adults predominantly experience spinal and overuse conditions. Spinal pathologies are a significant concern in tennis, with lumbar pain affecting 30% of players and often linked to improper technique or excessive training. Acute lumbar strain, discopathies, and isthmic pathologies such as spondylolysis and spondylolisthesis are frequently observed. These conditions can result from repetitive high-stress movements, particularly during serves and smashes, leading to mechanical imbalances, degenerative changes, or nerve root involvement. Treatment strategies emphasize rest, pain management, and rehabilitation, focusing on muscle strengthening and flexibility. Preventive measures, including biomechanical assessments, technical training, and appropriate equipment, are crucial to mitigating injury risks and maintaining players’ long-term performance and well-being. This review highlights the causes, clinical manifestations, diagnostic tools, and therapeutic approaches for spine-related injuries in tennis, focusing on prevention to enhance athlete safety and longevity.

Keywords: discopathy, lumbar, muscle, pain, spine, tendinopathy, tennis