Purpose of review Lumbar disc replacement has been a surgical alternative to fusion surgery for the treatment of lumbar degenerative disc disease (DDD) for many years. Despite enthusiasm after the approval of the first devices, implantation rates have remained low, especially in the USA. The goal of this review is to provide a general overview of lumbar disc replacement in order to comprehend the successes and obstacles to widespread adoption. Recent findings Although a large amount of evidence-based data including satisfactory long-term results is available, implantation rates in the USA have not increased in the last decade. Possible explanations for this include strict indications for use, challenging surgical techniques, lack of device selection, fear of late complications or revision surgeries, and reimbursement issues. Summary Recent publications can address some of the past concerns, but there still remain obstacles to widespread adoption. Upcoming data on long-term outcome, implant durability and possible very late complications will determine the future of lumbar disc replacement surgery.

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Soccer is the most popular sport in the world, with more than 270 million participants. It is characterized by repetition of short and intense actions that require high-coordination capacity. It is a sport where interactions with other players put the athletes at risk for traumatic injuries. Lower-limb injuries are the most prevalent injuries in soccer. Spine injuries are less frequent; however, they can impose serious and debilitating sequelae on the athlete. These injuries can be associated with long recovery periods preventing return to play. Moreover, specific repetitive activities (heading, kicking, etc.) can lead to chronic injuries. The cervical spine is particularly at risk for degenerative changes. Considerations for when an athlete should undergo spinal surgery and the timing of return to play present a difficult challenge to spine specialists. The objective of this article is to review the epidemiology, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of spinal injuries in soccer.