Tiger Woods’ New Back Surgery: An Orthopaedic Surgeon’s Theoretical Take

Commentary from Dr. William Sterett, Knee & Shoulder Specialist at Vail-Summit Orthopaedics & Neurosurgery

As both an orthopaedic surgeon and a golfer, Dr. William Sterett often gets asked about professional athletes’ injuries and recoveries, especially when it involves a name as legendary as Tiger Woods.

Recently, Tiger underwent another back surgery that has generated plenty of discussion in sports and medical circles alike. While Dr. Sterett was not involved in Tiger Woods’ care, he offers a theoretical explanation of what this operation may have involved and what it could mean for Tiger’s game moving forward.

What Kind of Back Surgery Did Tiger Woods Likely Have?

Based on public reports, Tiger previously underwent multiple spinal procedures, ultimately leading to an L5–S1 fusion, the lowest level of the lumbar spine. That surgery was performed anteriorly, meaning surgeons approached the spine from the front to stabilize and eliminate motion at that level.

Now, Tiger is said to have required additional surgery at the level above the fusion in the L4–L5, because of what’s known as adjacent-segment stress. When one level of the spine is fused, the segments above and below must take on extra motion and load, often accelerating wear and degeneration.

“All lumbar motion is divided among the levels from L1 to S1,” explains Dr. Sterett. “When one is fused, the rest work harder.”

Why Consider a Disc Replacement Instead of Another Fusion?

From a theoretical standpoint, choosing a disc replacement at L4–L5 rather than another fusion is developmental, but not experimental. The goal is to preserve motion at that level, roughly 20% of total lumbar movement, while reducing pain and maintaining flexibility.

“Typically, a disc replacement may have a slightly lower chance of success than a fusion,” says Dr. Sterett, “but it keeps rotation and motion, which could help Tiger generate club-head speed and reduce stress on the remaining levels above.”

However, there’s a trade-off: the artificial disc can be more fragile than natural bone or fused segments, meaning longevity depends on factors such as muscle strength, swing mechanics, and how aggressively he returns to competition.

What About the Facet Joints?

Every lumbar level functions as a tripod, a disc in front and two facet joints in back. If those facet joints are arthritic or generating pain, disc replacement may not fully resolve symptoms.

“In Tiger’s case, the outcome depends on whether the L4–L5 facets were healthy,” Dr. Sterett explains. “If the pain source was primarily the disc, the odds of success are high. If the facets were involved, results are less predictable.”

Many patients, athletes and non-athletes alike, receive stem-cell injections or other biologic treatments for facet joint pain. For example, Dr. Sterett notes that some individuals experience meaningful relief when the facets, not the disc, are the pain generator.

What Can Tiger Expect Going Forward?

If the disc truly was the source of pain, Tiger could do very well following this latest procedure. The hope is that by restoring motion at L4–L5, he can swing freely and maintain rotation without further compromising the upper lumbar spine.

Still, recovery will depend on multiple variables, rehabilitation quality, biomechanics, and the physical demands of elite golf. “A 115-mile-per-hour club-head speed isn’t so bad,” Dr. Sterett says with a smile, “if he’s willing to go there.”

The Takeaway

While this analysis is purely theoretical, it underscores how complex spine biomechanics can be, especially for world-class athletes pushing physical limits. Modern technology like disc replacement offers exciting possibilities, but outcomes still hinge on anatomy, discipline, and the body’s capacity to heal.

About Dr. William Sterett

Dr. William Sterett is a board-certified orthopaedic surgeon specializing in knee and shoulder injuries at Vail-Summit Orthopaedics & Neurosurgery (VSON). A longtime team physician for elite skiers and active mountain athletes, Dr. Sterett focuses on helping patients of all ages return to the sports and activities they love. Contact his team today!