Los Angeles Lakers small forward Metta World Peace will be forced to miss around six weeks after tearing the lateral meniscus in his left knee. He injured his knee Monday during the Lakers' 109-103 road loss against the Golden State Warriors.
Read on to find out what exactly happened, and what can be expected of the defensive enigma when he makes his return.
Is Surgery Necessary?
The Lakers medical staff determining that the meniscus was damaged to the point where World Peace couldn't play leaves doctors with two courses, both of which are surgical.
The first and most common procedure is called a meniscectomy. In this surgery, the damaged meniscus—there are two in each knee, the lateral and medial—is removed. In many cases, it is only a portion of the meniscus that is removed, such as a flap that has been created by a tear.
In the second type, the tearing and fraying is repaired. This is done using burrs and microstitches. While the results tend to hold up better in the long term, the healing period is significantly longer.
Both procedures can be done arthroscopically, meaning there is limited external damage and swelling in the knee. Rehab begins almost immediately.
Many doctors and medical staffs will do "prehab," which is physical therapy and strengthening exercises done prior to surgery. Since there was no real delay for Peace's surgery, it is less likely that he had any of this.
Lateral Meniscus; Better or Worse?
It's neither better nor worse than if the medial meniscus were damaged. Both are desirable, if not necessary.
The knee certainly functions better with undamaged meniscuses, but surgeons have learned over the course of the last three decades that removing all or part can create a quick return to function. Some physicians and athletic trainers say ...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Los Angeles Lakers
