Category Archives: Basketball

All Blogs, Basketball, Wrist/Hand

Lebron James Right Hand Bone Contusion

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Following Game 4 of the NBA Finals, LeBron James revealed he had suffered what was described as “a deep bone contusion” on his right hand right after Game 1 when he punched a black board in the locker room.

Punching usually injures the metacarpal bone of the small finger. The head (end) of the metacarpal forms your knuckle when you make a fist.

An MRI was done, which suggests that radiographs were normal. Two MRIs were done with the explanation that the contusion was only visible when some of the swelling went down. Swelling should not affect diagnosis of fracture on an MRI so it is unclear why two exams were ordered.  For most people a normal radiograph would be sufficient. One non-concerning MRI would be more than enough. A contusion that is difficult to see on MRI is quite minor. A bone contusion means that the bone is injured, but remains structurally sound.

The body heals a bone bruise without immobilization or projection.  It’s better to keep the hand moving to limit stiffness and swelling.

Bone bruises are painful. The bone may be a little weaker due to microscopic damage, but only for a month or two. It’s safe to play.

This blog was written by Paul Bonilla and David Ring.

All Blogs, Basketball, Knee

Andre Iguodala’s Left Knee Contusion

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On May 20, 2018 during Game 3 of the NBA Western Conference Finals, Andre Iguodala was hit on the outside of his left knee. He left the game shortly thereafter. The injury was diagnosed as a contusion (a bruise).

Direct injury to the skin, muscle, and bone can cause uncomfortable tissue damage, bleeding, and swelling that makes it difficult to move and jump. But structurally, things are fine.

A bruise is easy to diagnose on examination. A fracture is unlikely in people that are able to walk. It seems like every athlete gets an MRI for every injury, but that is unusual and difficult to justify, at least in everyday practice.

The body heals bruises over time. Treatments such as ice or pain relievers are for comfort only. Media reports often talk about athletes getting “treatment” which sounds mysterious and magical. This creates a misconception. There is no known way to speed the body’s healing process. In fact, some doctors suggest that athletes avoid anti-inflammatory medications because inflammation is an important part of the healing process that should not be slowed or interfered with.

It is safe to play with a contusion.

This blog was created by Paul Bonilla and David Ring.

All Blogs, Basketball, Knee

Kyrie Irving’s Knee Fracture

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Celtics all-star point guard Kyrie Irving is out of the NBA playoffs due to a complication knee from prior knee surgery.

Irving fractured his patella (kneecap) in an injury during the NBA Finals on June 4, 2015. The fracture required surgery to hold the fracture together with two pieces of wire threaded through two screws while the bone healed. After the bone heals, patients can keep the wires and screws in place; however, the kneecap is a prominent area and the metal may become bothersome.

On March 24, they removed the wire only. The knot used to tighten the wire is often the most irritating part.

On April 7, they decided to remove the screws as well. When they removed the screws they encountered a low-grade infection. Bacteria can hide from the immune system alongside metal or other foreign material. Once the metal is removed, the infection should resolve.

With the metal out of place the holes in the bone make it a little weaker and at risk for re-fracture with jumping, falling or contact with another player. When the decision was made to remove the screws, it also became necessary to stay out of full-contact basketball for four to six months while the bone strengthens after removing the screws.

This article was made by Paul Bonilla and David Ring