How will the UFC handle fighters returning from major back surgery?
Serious spinal injuries are becoming more and more common in MMA. Some injuries have required major surgical intervention to address.
Is it safe for fighters to return to competitive MMA after these types of injuries and subsequent surgery?
The simple answer is no one knows. To date there has been no significant research reported related to this specific topic. There is some medical literature related to a return to football after spinal surgery. But once again no one knows if those findings and recommendations apply to MMA.
The UFC would be prudent to sponsor such research and establish a 3-member panel of spinal surgery experts to review each case and make a recommendation regarding that particular fighters risks and appropriate return to competition.
By proactively addressing this issue, the UFC can become a leader in sports safety and further its' efforts to be considered a legitimate major sport.
Is it safe for fighters to return to competitive MMA after these types of injuries and subsequent surgery?
The simple answer is no one knows. To date there has been no significant research reported related to this specific topic. There is some medical literature related to a return to football after spinal surgery. But once again no one knows if those findings and recommendations apply to MMA.
The UFC would be prudent to sponsor such research and establish a 3-member panel of spinal surgery experts to review each case and make a recommendation regarding that particular fighters risks and appropriate return to competition.
By proactively addressing this issue, the UFC can become a leader in sports safety and further its' efforts to be considered a legitimate major sport.
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