Tiger Has Arthroscopic Knee Surgery..

[Ruari]

most people that have knee surgeries dont have to go back for more.

This is Tiger's third procedure. On the same knee.

[SubPar]

This is Tiger's third procedure. On the same knee.

Athletes will have multiple surgeries done on the same joint. He has torn cartilage and they will only take out what is damaged and leave in the rest. But, once damaged, cartilage will gradually split and break down a little at a time when put under a lot of stress.

If it becomes necessary to remove all of it, there are materials that can be put in to emulate the function, but they won't do anything that radical until it is required. I had the entire medial meniscus (cartilage from the inner side) removed from my left knee almost 30 years ago, due to a soccer injury. It does not bother me too much if I keep it in good shape, but it would be a problem if I had Tiger's swing speed. SubPar

[Jeepthrills]

Having an authroscopic surgery can be very simple or very complex depending on the nature of the injury. By all accounts there was some torn cartilige. Most likely on the meniscus. With this type of surgery it is not uncommon to need more down the road. He may have some degeneration of the meniscus but should be just fine both short and long term. If he can finish 2nd at the Masters with torn cartilige, I would assume he can still compete now that it is removed. The biggest problem is when the meniscus tears the piece can actually come loose and float arround in the knee. This can actually cause it to lodge itself in the joint and result in the knee locking up. He likely could have continued to compete and let the injury worsen. The problem would be if it got to where he had to have surgery, there may not have been time in the schedule to recover for the remaining majors. What if it had happened as he was practicing for the US Open? There are only 5 weeks between the US Open and the British and even fewer between the British and the PGA. The timing just makes sense.

[Lemay427]

ruari. my statement was a general statement. obviously his passed surgeries have not mattered. he is on his way to becoming the greatest golfer in the game. if he had a back or neck problem i would be concerned. i think he will be able to handle the knee.

[iacas]

This is Tiger's third procedure. On the same knee.

Yeah, and the first two were:

1994 - removed a benign tumor/cyst 2002 - drain some fluid that built up in the knee It's not like he's had arthroscopic procedures three times for the same problem, and there's a reason they call some of these "procedures." Calling them "surgeries" might be overstating things. And on the bright side, again, this will give Tiger time to practice that horrible putting stroke of his.

[Ruari]

And on the bright side, again, this will give Tiger time to practice that horrible putting stroke of his.

Agreed. But no matter how much he practices, I don't think the 'swinging door' will ever work consistently.

[iacas]

Agreed. But no matter how much he practices, I don't think the 'swinging door' will ever work consistently.

Oh come on. It's the most consistent stroke out there. There's a reason virtually every good putter putts that way. And if you want to discuss it further, start a new thread, because it's off-topic here. Or, better yet - read any of the hundreds of existing threads.

[Ruari]

I just do not see him breaking Jack's records. Way too much Karma that goes along with breaking records these days. Before you know it there will be an article in some backwoods Kentucky paper claiming that Billy Joe was at the store buying ointment for his wife (who also happens to be his sister) and out of the corner of his one good eye he noticed Tiger Woods shaking hands with Barry Bond's former trainer. And from this day forward the record will be tarnished..... Good Ole USA.

I'm sure that's very funny but I have absolutely no idea who Barry Bond is. Billy Joe, yes, but Barry Bond, no.

Do enlighten me. Possibly best by PM as this could be construed as off-topic.

[BASHERBAKER69]

If Tiger did nothing for the rest of the year it would be a very satisfactory season by most peoples standards- but not his. As i said in a different thread, no more majors for him this year. Mark my words.

[Lemay427]

saw this on the golf channel.....

iacas...i think this is what you were referring to.


http://www.thegolfchannel.com/core.a...F-FAEA6758E476

[Jeepthrills]

I was glad to hear that Tiger said in his newsletter that he does not blame the knee for his failing to win at Augusta. He has never been one to make excuses. He said he never got comfortable over his putter and on those greens it was enough. He also said that he called Immelman to congratulate him and called him a worthy champion.

[Hogan Incarnate]

He has never been one to make excuses.

We leave that to Garcia, eh?

This is wierd because I was just talking about this with my family. It ends up that Woods recieved his surgery right here in Park City, Utah. My hometown and current place of residency. Its really great to hear that Tiger did all of that stuff to Immelman. A really classy guy.

[iacas]

Tiger hinted several times that his injury is more significant than he's let on. He's going to have to rest for several weeks. He grimaced several times and had to take "things" to help with the pain. He said he is "bad about listening to his doctor" (re: playing golf this week), and so on.

What could possibly be wrong with his knee? Will it jeopardize his long-term plans? Can he get to 18 majors? Once he gets 19, will he retire?

[pjsnyc]

Tiger hinted several times that his injury is more significant than he's let on. He's going to have to rest for several weeks. He grimaced several times and had to take "things" to help with the pain. He said he is "bad about listening to his doctor" (re: playing golf this week), and so on.

God I hope not. Tiger is the reason I decided to follow my cousin and uncle to the pitch and putt that one fateful afternoon when visiting in Connecticut. My life hasn't been the same since.

I nearly winced when I heard him say 'I'm glad I'm done...I really don't feel like playing anymore. It's sore.' I believe him when he says these things, but actually uttering the words 'I really don't feel like playing anymore...' in one complete sentence really scared me. To answer your question tho - I'm not a doctor and I'm not Tiger Woods so I have no idea what could be horribly wrong with his knee (it really could only be stiffness from surgery and NOT what we fear it could be - further cartilage damage). Hard to say it would jeopardize his long-term plans since we all know who sticks to his word (not that he ever guaranteed to break Jack's record...or did he?). As for if he would retire after 19 - he'll cross that bridge when he gets to it!

[Jeepthrills]

God I hope not. Tiger is the reason I decided to follow my cousin and uncle to the pitch and putt that one fateful afternoon when visiting in Connecticut. My life hasn't been the same since.

I would assume when he said he didn't want to play anymore he meant right now, not forever. He sounded and looked exhausted. I have played through back problems and even the most relaxing rounds leave you feeling mentally and physically exhausted. I can't imagine doing it at that level, under the toughest conditions in golf on the longest course in history for 5 straight days.

[sharon333]

I think he need to take some time off to recharge and get healthy.

[pjsnyc]

I would assume when he said he didn't want to play anymore he meant right now, not forever. He sounded and looked exhausted. I have played through back problems and even the most relaxing rounds leave you feeling mentally and physically exhausted. I can't imagine doing it at that level, under the toughest conditions in golf on the longest course in history for 5 straight days.

I know he meant he didn't feel like playing 'now'...but even that is alarming - no?