All posts by Katharine Clement

Achilles/Patellar/Quadricep, Basketball, strain

DeMarcus Cousins’ Tear of Left Quadriceps

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DeMarcus Cousins of the Golden State Warriors injured his left quad in Monday’s game against the LA Clippers. This was a non-contact injury. As Cousins pursued a loose ball, he fell to the floor. Cousins then signaled to be taken out of the game. He did not return.

An MRI Tuesday morning diagnosed a “torn left quadriceps muscle.” This is a strain. As is typical for the Sports Injury Blog, we find no utility in this MRI. If you strain your quad, you will not have or benefit from an MRI.

A partial tear of the quadriceps muscle heals with time. He will do stretching exercises. While it is safe to play, he will likely have too much pain and stiffness to be effective. It is reported that he will be out for the remainder of the playoffs.

Ankle/Foot, Basketball

Kyle Ahrens Ankle Sprain

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Michigan State’s Kyle Ahrens was injured jumping for a rebound in last week’s March Madness game against Texas Tech. He collided with a player mid jump and landed awkwardly on his ankle. Trainers and medical staff placed his ankle in a splint. He exited the game on a stretcher.

Ahrens was taken for preliminary X-rays that showed no fracture. This is most likely an ankle sprain. Any break, crack or chip in the ankle bone is considered a fractured ankle. A sprained ankle involves a tear or disruption of the ligaments. Grade I sprains occur when a few fibers are torn. Grade II sprains have more structural damage, but retain stability of the ankle. Grade III sprains are a complete tear of the ligament. The severity of sprain can be diagnosed upon an exam evaluating tenderness, swelling, bruising and stability.

Ahrens returned to the bench to watch the final minutes of the game. He is currently in a boot and on crutches.

Basketball, Leg Fracture

Jusuf Nurkic’s Open Tibia Fracture

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Blazers center, Jusuf Nurkic, was injured jumping for an offensive rebound in last week’s game against the Brooklyn Nets. His leg crumpled beneath him and he fell to the floor. He exited the game on a stretcher.

It was announced Nurkic had a fracture of the tibia and fibula of his lower left leg. The tibia fracture created a wound (an open fracture). This type of injury is treated surgically in an operating room. He was transported to a local hospital. According to president of basketball operations Neil Olshey, Nurkic underwent surgery on March 26thto clean the wound and realign and secure the fracture. There is no timetable for his return.

 

Boston Globe