All posts by Justin Kong

Achilles Rupture, Achilles/Patellar/Quadricep, All Blogs, Basketball, Tendon Rupture

Kevin Durant Achilles Rupture

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On June 10, Kevin Durant ruptured his right Achilles tendon during the second quarter of Game 5 of the NBA Finals. The injury came after Durant missing nine playoff games due to a strained calf on the same leg from May 8. He underwent surgery on June 12. Durant was cleared by the team’s medical staff to play Game 5. According to Warriors Head Coach Steve Kerr, the team did not believe it was putting Durant at risk for further injury.

Courtesy of Mayo Clinic

The Achilles tendon connects the calf muscle to the heel bone. It is the largest and strongest tendon in the body. Blood flow through the tendon is poor, which may make the tendon susceptible to tearing and also slow its healing. Achilles tendon injuries often occur following an abrupt increase in activity or intensity, such as a return to competition after weeks of not playing in Durant’s case.

There is speculation that what was diagnosed as a calf strain on May 8 might actually have been Achilles tendinopathy. The Warriors organization has not yet released a timetable for Durant’s return to play. Generally, eight months is the quickest recovery time among NBA players after an Achilles rupture. Durant’s teammate DeMarcus Cousins also had an Achilles tendon rupture in January 2018. Cousins needed almost an entire year to recover enough to return to play.

All Blogs, Baseball, Elbow

A.J. Pollock Elbow Infection

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On Monday, April 29, Los Angeles Dodgers center fielder A.J. Pollock was placed on the 10-day injured list for an infected right elbow.

The infection occurred at the site of two previous surgeries for what sounds like a symptomatic open olecranon growth plate.  Growth plate issues can occur in people that throw a lot.

Pollock has been taking antibiotics, and on May 2 he underwent surgery to remove a metal screw that was inserted into the growth plate of his right elbow in his 2016 procedure. Removal of the screw is necessary to cure the infection as the screw is a foreign material in which bacteria can stay protected from the immune system and reactivate at any time. Pollock was released from the hospital on May 3rd without a timetable for his return to play, but Dodgers manager Dave Roberts expects him to be back this season.

All Blogs, Football

De’Gabriel Floyd Spinal Stenosis

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Texas Longhorns’ linebacker De’Gabriel Floyd was diagnosed with spinal stenosis on April 6th.  Throughout spring practice, Floyd has not been able to take part in full-contact drills.  His lingering neck problems were initially thought to be a continuation of the multiple injuries he sustained as a high school athlete that gave him stinger issues (nerve symptoms from the brachial plexus or cervical nerve roots).  However, an MRI scan among other tests in recent weeks led doctors to diagnose Floyd with spinal stenosis. Given his history with stingers, Floyd likely has cervical (neck) spinal stenosis. People that are born with a narrower spinal canal can have more such symptoms and are at greater risk of spinal cord injury.

Courtesy of Mayo Clinic

Spinal stenosis is a condition where the spaces within the spine are narrowed, which makes the spinal cord and nerves traveling through the spine susceptible to pressure.  The most commonly affected areas are the lower back and neck and symptoms can include pain, tingling, numbness, and muscle weakness.  Spinal stenosis mostly occurs when the open space within the spine is narrowed. Lumbar (low back) stenosis is more common with age, where bone spurs from arthritis narrow the spinal canal.  Cervical (neck) stenosis can be something one is born with, which is referred to as “congenital”.

Floyd will sit out for the 2019 season.  Athletes who have congenital cervical spinal stenosis are generally advised to stop playing American football.   For now, Floyd will exercise and stay in shape, but he will avoid contact while assessing the risk and what he will choose for his future.  He will make a decision next January.

Georgia outside linebacker Jarvis Jones was diagnosed with cervical spinal stenosis as a freshman in 2009.  Jones declined surgery and had a very successful college football career.  He is now a free agent after four seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers and part of one season with the Arizona Cardinals.  Cooper Manning, brother of Eli and Peyton Manning, was diagnosed with cervical spinal stenosis as an 18-year-old. Manning was set to play wide receiver for Ole Miss, but chose to stop playing football as he felt the risks were too great. Former Pro Bowl football players with cervical spinal stenosis include Michael Irvin, Marcus McNeill, Chris Samuels, and Sterling Sharpe.