Tom Brady Infection Serious?
This report comes from Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk.com. However, keep in mind, he does like to create football related drama:
In response to recent reports and analysis regarding the infection that developed in the surgically-repaired knee of Patriots quarterback Tom Brady, we’ve gathered from our vast array of sources (i.e., Google) some additional information regarding the potential consequences of Brady’s condition.
Actually, we didn’t rely on Google. That would have actually required affirmative effort on our part. Instead, we were contacted by a league insider who spoon-fed us the information.
As we understand it, infections are uncommon in knee surgery, happening only 0.5 percent of the time. (This year alone, however, Tom Brady, Browns receiver Joe Jurevicius, and Colts quarterback Peyton Manning developed infections after knee operations.)
The mere fact that doctors conducted a second surgery should be regarded in each case as a major cause for concern. Infections are treated initially (and ideally) with antibiotics. If antibiotics don’t do the trick, then surgery becomes necessary.
In the case of an ACL replacement, the presence of an infection can lead to far greater problems. Screws are used to hold down the new ligament in place. If, as Chris Mortensen of ESPN observed on Sunday, the screws become contaminated, they must be replaced.
Then there’s the question of whether the ligament was from a cadaver, or from a donor location in Brady’s body. If the infection was introduced via a cadaver ligament, the ACL will need to be removed and replaced.
And so the biggest unknown for now is whether Brady ultimately will need to have a second ACL replacement surgery. Though Brady sounds optimistic that post-surgical antibiotics will do the trick, it’s likely too early to know for sure whether the new ACL will remain infection-free.
If, in the end, Brady needs yet another ACL, Brady might not play in 2009. And, possibly, 2010.
I’m not going to freak out and assume Brady is going to be out in 2009 or beyond. However, the infection itself cannot be a good thing, considering its rarity. However, if Brady really did have to hang it up for three seasons, I personally think he would hang it up for good.
However, in my opinion, I think that Brady will be back for next season, and the absolute worst scenario would be him becoming a puppy.
In the end, however, this is certainly a situation that we should monitor.
Reader Comments
Here’s hoping that Brady will be ready for training camp next year. I agree with you in the fact that if he were to actually miss 3 seasons that he may hang ‘em up for good.
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I love Tom Brady but honestly, go to Boston for surgery! The best hospitals in the world are right in his home town and he goes out to California theres nothing clean about that place. Go to new england baptist if your going to get knee surgery its sorta their thing…why do you think paul pierce is still playing?
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Let’s set the record straight, hospital acquired infections — including those connected to knee surgery – are leading causes of serious illness and death in the US. An estimated 2 million people get an infection while they are hospitalized and surgical site infections are among the most common. We should demand better from our health care system. If you are interested in working to eliminate these preventable infections, go to http://www.StopHospitalInfections.org.
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ACL Infection rate is less than 1%. If they suspect infection they will start on ABX. IF no resolution the may attempt to debride in OR. He most likely had the acl graft removed and was cleaned out. IF they left the graft in…..chances are he may have to return to OR. The media is saying he has had two procedures. I bet they already removed the infected graft. These problems often happen with high profile people b/c the routine is broken…staff attempts to be more careful yet the routine is broken ….and mistakes are made.
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Hospital Acquired Infections are the 4th leading cause of death in this country. More than AIDS, Breast Cancer and homicides combined. It is the dirty little secret of a well bankrolled medical industry.
Even a great football player at a great hospital, with a great surgeon is not immune…because germs are no respecter of person. It is a well documented fact that even at the best facilities hand-hygiene rates are only about 40%. That means doctors and staff are running around spreading germs from patient to patient.
I hope that Mr. Brady will be okay. I had to have 6 additional surgeries due to my infection and nearly died. I hope that he will also consider being a voice and advocate for Patient safety when this is over. He is very blessed to not become one of the 100,000 people a year who die from Hospital Acquired Infections. http://www.PatientSafetyASAP.org
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God save Brady’s knee! God save Brady!! What kind of infection is it? Everyone says “infection.” No one says which one! I caught a surgical staph aureus out of on open achilles tendon reduction. Lasted over a year. Had to do a d and c. No pharma cocktail could touch it and they tried all combos, 24 hour balloon shunt. Misery. They could control the symptoms but not kill the bug. Achilles = very poor blood service, ergo the myth but for me it was real. MSAR = very big problem if you have it and chances are you will get it at a hospital!
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Should read: MRSA – methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus, note just above. Wicked!
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hey tom hope to see you on the field passing to randy and wes welker and gaffny…ttyl
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With God all things are possible, and I pray Brady will be back next season with a complete healing and to get that SuperBowl Victory!
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