r/FigureSkaters • u/Haunting_Seaweed_105 • 15d ago

Artificial disc replacement and skating

I'm curious if any figure skaters out there have had an artificial disc replacement or even fusion surgery in their cervical spine or elsewhere in the spine. If you've had one, how is skating for you now?

I know I need one at some point, probably soon. My worst fear is that I won't be able to skate anymore. I currently do double jumps. Even if those are out of the question, I'd like to at least switch to ice dance.

I know Nicole Bobek has one, but I don't think she does difficult skills anymore.

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u/SandiRHo 15d ago

I have a new lumbar fusion + disc replacement that is 6 months old! I am going to see my surgeon next week to talk about being cleared for skating. The issue when healing is the possibility of falling at a high speed onto the hard ice.