AN EXERCISE IN ORTHOPEDICS: A-Rod Suffers Knee Injury

New York Yankees slugger and 3^rd baseman, Alex Rodriguez is considered one of the best all-around baseball players of all time. Having hit over 600 home runs, he remains the all-time MLB leader.

In a game against the Chicago Cubs on June 19^th, 2011 A-rod injured his right knee. He was sent for x-rays, which showed a small tear in the meniscus. With the injury affecting his performance, he underwent surgery in July to repair the tear.

 

The knee is made up of two crescent shaped cartilage menisci. A meniscus tear is commonly seen in sports where the knee is twisting or over-flexed. This cartilage is essential to providing shock absorption and even weight distribution over the joint. 

Some common symptoms A-rod would have felt include severe pain, swelling, clicking or popping, and catching or locking of the knee. Treatment depends on the extent of the tear. Small tears can be treated conservatively and with time, will heal on their own. In A-rod’s case, the tear was large enough to be repaired surgically.  

With the help of a scope, the tear can be easily trimmed back down to normal.  In just 4 to 6 weeks, A-rod should be back making big plays and hitting homers!

NEW Q&A FEATURE IN DIME MAGAZINE: Gilbert Arenas

Recently, Dime Magazine interviewed me and allowed me to give a thorough analysis of Kobe Bryant's mysterious injury.  And today, they contacted me for thorough insight on the series of knee injuries faced by Orlando's NBA Magician - Gilbert Arenas.

The Q&A features discusses not only the struggles of Arenas and other NBA superstars, but also gives an in-depth look at common sports injuries, the most cutting-edge surgery techniques (no pun intended), and the methods of preventing some of these long-term egregious pains.

To read the full article, click here...

AN EXERCISE IN ORTHOPEDICS: Bon Jovi Injures Knee during Concert

Well known for being the lead singer of the popular rock band with his last name as its brand, Jon Bon Jovi has sold over 130 million records worldwide and continues to play sold-out shows around the world. 

While performing a summer concert in Finland, the singer's knee gave out and he felt something tear. It had been pouring rain outside, yet he continued the show with his knee in severe pain.

His MRI showed a torn medical collateral ligament  (MCL) and was operated on July 1^st in Dublin, Ireland. Luckily, he had the week off, and now hopes to continue his tour with a stop in Istanbul, Turkey eight days following his injury.

The MCL is one of the 4 main ligaments connecting the knee bones, and runs along the inner part of the knee preventing it from bending inward. It is usually injured when the outside of the knee is struck, causing the knee to buckle. When stretched too far, the fibrous ligament begins to tear. The most common symptom is severe pain and generalized joint swelling the following day. 

Most often, these tears are small enough (grade 1 or 2) to be treated conservatively with physical therapy and a knee brace for stability. In some cases, the tear is severe enough (grade 3) to require surgical repair. Jon should heal well and be back to his normal superstar self! 

AN EXERCISE IN ORTHOPEDICS: Galaxy Goalkeeper Fractures Ulna

In 2008, Donovan Ricketts joined the Los Angeles Galaxy from Jamaica, and today is the reigning goalkeeper of the MLS.

During a game on June 27^th, Ricketts suffered an arm injury early in the scoreless tie against the San Jose Earthquakes. He collided with one of his opponents and was taken out of the game.

He was sent for x-rays, which showed a fractured left ulna. The next day he underwent surgery, and isexpected to recover in 4-6 weeks.

            

The ulna makes up one of the two bones on the left side of the forearm. The most common cause of an ulna fracture is from the forearm being struck by an object, in Donovan’s case –another player. A fracture of the ulna shaft is called a nightstick fracture. 

Donovan most likely complained of pain, swelling, and possible abrasions with the trauma. If there is a significant amount of displacement, then the fracture is considered unstable.

Surgical intervention (open reduction and internal fixation) is required to stabilize the bones with a plate and screws. A period of immobilization will be needed to allow the bones to heal in place.

Donovan should be back to defending goals in 3 months!