Orthopedic experts talk about Tatum s injury: It may take 8-12 months to recover. Superstar mentality is a key variable

On May 16, Dr. Stone, a well-known orthopedic expert, shared valuable insights on the recovery schedule of Celtic star Tatum, the caution of performing "speed bridge" surgery to speed up recovery, and how the six-time All-Star player can stay healthy to the greatest extent.

Regarding Dr. O'Malley for Tatum's surgery and the "speed bridge surgery" protocol, Dr. Stone said: "I believe Dr. O'Malley is an excellent doctor. "speed bridge surgery" attempts to add a device to enhance sutures based on our percutaneous repair technology. But unfortunately, it requires an open incision. Once the incision is made, it loses the natural blood clots, and also some of the factors we think will help accelerate healing and form a firm repair."

"I can understand why surgeons may choose to use this method, probably because they are good at this technique, which is obviously a common choice between doctors and patients. I just have a different idea of ​​accelerating the healing of the Achilles tendon rupture."

Regarding whether the recovery time with "speed bridge surgery" is more likely to be between 8 and 9 months, Dr. Stone said: I don't know the type of tear healing, nor the specific repair method, the recovery plan, or what factors that promote growth are used. These will affect the healing rate. ”

" Generally speaking, people will tell a professional athlete like him that it is expected to take 8 to 12 months to recover. But in fact, we learn the most from the athletes who 'stolen'. Many professional athletes will ‘snatch’ – i.e., do not follow our advice, they recover faster and return to the field earlier. We learn from them what is really possible, not just the time we think we need.

"As I mentioned, all the top athletes will 'snatch run' because they all believe they can heal faster, and believe that their superstar mentality can give them the superstar's body and healing ability. Sometimes this does work, and we also learn from them how much they can do."

"So, the brace is mainly a reminder to the athlete not to put the tissue over the tension limit and avoid tearing the Achilles tendon again. According to the repair technique, if the suture is firm, the brace is mainly a reminder to slow them down and avoid shooting the next day. But I can be sure that from his situation with him and other similar athletes, he may soon get rid of the brace."