Quote:
Originally Posted by Mattyk72
Microfracture is not considered major surgery. It's done on an out-patient basis and takes as little as 30 minutes to do.
I think people are making a much bigger deal about this surgery than it really is.
|
I disagree. While the Microfracture surgical procedure
is minimally invasive, it is not a good sign if an athlete needs it.
I work for the Houston Rockets and there is serious concern that T-Mac will not make it back. Even if he makes it back he will not be the player he was before the surgery.
Microfracture surgery at the moment is controversial because the success rate is just about 75% in athletes. For every Jason Kidd (success) there is a Chris Webber (failed) that had to retire.
One of the problem with this procedure is it promotes the regeneration of fibrocartilage, not Hyaline cartilage. Fibrocartilage is not as good mechanically as the original hyaline cartilage which is much denser and is able to withstand the demands of everyday activities. Therefore there is a high incidence symptom (pain) returning to the joint with in a year or two.
Cartilage issues in joints for an athlete is a degenerative conditions that only gets worse, not better over time.
If this kid is having this much trouble in his knee and he has barely played, it most likely get worse when he plays more.