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NY Yankee CC Sabathia Hopeful for 2015 Return to Pitching

New York Yankees pitcher CC Sabathia recently had his season cut short due to a recurring injury to his right knee. While originally thought to be suffering from a microfracture that could put his recovery and return to the mound into question, Sabathia’s recent surgery offered the pitcher and fans in the Bronx some good news and a bit of hope. Instead of the more serious microfracture surgery, surgeons removed a previously undiagnosed bone spur. In spite of continuing problems, Sabathia remains confident that he will be back in the lineup for the 2015 season.

As is typical with professional athletes suffering from knee injuries of this nature Sabathia has very little cartilage remaining in his knee, which requires regular draining due to fluid buildup and swelling.

In addition, Sabathia will most likely undergo platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and stem cell injections to try and maintain as much stability in the knee as possible.

Platelet-Rich Plasma Injections in Beverly Hills

The use of platelet-rich plasma injections to treat chronic injuries like Sabathia’s is becoming increasingly popular among professional athletes and the orthopedic surgeons who treat them. Plasma contains a much higher concentration of platelets, which contain natural growth factors that can accelerate the healing process.

During the treatment, a blood sample is taken from each patient. After centrifugation, the plasma is separated and the platelets extracted to prepare the concentrated dose for injection. It is then re-injected into the affected area – in Sabathia’s case his right knee – with the goal of the body responding to a concentrated form of its own healing agents for improved results.

So far, the results have been promising, and orthopedic surgeons are using the treatment for a range of injuries and treatments including:

Ligament and muscle injuries and tears
Chronic tendon injuries
Knee arthritis
Surgery
Fractures
Soft tissue injuries

Even with PRP and stem cell injections, Sabathia’s knee will never recover to its pre-injury state, and will require continued maintenance and treatment for continued functionality. With five months to complete physical therapy before spring training begins for the 2015 baseball season Sabathia and the Yankees management are cautiously optimistic that he will be able to return.

“He took the road more traveled, which is to do a clean-up and give him a chance to come back and self-correct, so to speak,” general manager Brian Cashman said. “Hopefully this procedure he just had, is good enough to return him to our rotation every five days starting next year.”

Professional athletes such as Kobe Bryant and Tiger Woods have also used platelet-rich plasma injections to treat injuries with positive results.

Contact an Orthopedic Surgeon in Los Angeles!

Want to know more about platelet-rich plasma injections and treatment for knee injuries in Los Angeles? Contact orthopedic surgeon Dr. Steven Meier at Meier Orthopedic Medicine today at (310) 777-7845 to schedule an appointment.

Next, read our blog, “What is Jumper’s Knee?”

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The information available on this web site is provided for informational purposes only. This information is not intended to replace a medical consultation where a physician's judgment may advise you about specific disorders, conditions and or treatment options. We hope the information will be useful for you to become more educated about your health care decisions.