Three-Time Olympian Tony Benshoof to Have Microdisectomy Performed by Dr. Robert S. Bray, Jr.

The most successful men’s luge athlete in U.S. history, Tony Benshoof, will undergo spinal surgery for the second time in 15 months to correct a re-ruptured disk and a newly torn disk. Dr. Robert S. Bray, Jr. will operate on the three-time Olympian using a minimally invasive procedure on March 30.

 

The L5/S1 disk, which was repaired on December 28, 2008, has been re-ruptured. A fragment approximately one centimeter in diameter is pushing out of the lower disk and pinching the nerves in Benshoof’s back. The L4/L5 disk has a tear but has not yet ruptured. Dr. Bray will remove the fragment from the White Bear Lake Minn. native’s spine and repair the hole caused by the bulging disk. At the same time, he will also repair the tear in L4/L5 disk and sew it shut before it becomes a rupture.

 

"Both of those (procedures) can be done with a micro-surgery, which will be just a several inch hole and a teaspoon of blood loss," said Dr. Bray, who met Benshoof while working as the U.S. Olympic Team physician at the 2010 Olympic Winter Games. "He’ll be up walking around the same day (the procedure) is done and we’re going to get him up moving very quickly."

 

Approximately one month after surgery, D.I.S.C. Sports and Spine Center will begin a "very serious" rehab program with Benshoof, to include biomechanical analysis along with an assessment of strengths and weaknesses with the goal of increasing strength and flexibility.

Benshoof will hold off on making any decisions regarding his future in luge until after Dr. Bray performs the surgery.

 

"I’d like to have my strength and mobility back," said Benshoof, winner of 37 international medals. "Once the surgery is complete, I will play it by ear from there. If everything goes well, I’ll get back on the sled."

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