A.J. Pollock is a talented center fielder for the Los Angeles Dodgers with a history of injuries. Recently, news broke that he would undergo surgery to remove a metal screw that was inserted into the growth plate in his right elbow in 2016.
While this news may sound alarming, it is actually better news than it seems. In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at the surgery that A.J. Pollock had and what it means for his future in baseball.
We’ll explore what a growth plate is, why A.J. Pollock needed surgery, what the surgery entailed, and what this means for his ability to play in the upcoming baseball season.
What is a Growth Plate?
Growth plates, also known as epiphyseal plates, are areas of developing cartilage tissue found in growing bones of children and teenagers. They are located at the ends of long bones, such as the femur (thigh bone), tibia (shin bone), and humerus (upper arm bone).
The purpose of growth plates is to allow bones to lengthen and grow as a child matures. Once a person reaches adulthood, the growth plates harden into solid bone.
In the elbow joint, there are two growth plates: one at the bottom of the humerus bone and one at the top of the ulna bone. These growth plates are responsible for the development and growth of the elbow joint in children and teenagers.
As they mature, the growth plates in the elbow eventually harden and fuse into solid bone, allowing for normal function of the joint.
In A.J. Pollock’s case, a metal screw had been inserted into the growth plate in his right elbow in 2016 to address an injury. However, the presence of the screw was causing discomfort, leading to the decision to remove it through surgery.
Why Did a.j. Pollock Need Surgery?
In 2016, A.J. Pollock fractured his right elbow in a headfirst slide during a Spring Training game. The fracture was located in the growth plate at the end of his right humerus bone.
To repair the fracture and ensure proper healing, a metal screw was inserted into the growth plate.
Since then, Pollock had continued to experience discomfort and pain in his right elbow, even after the initial injury had healed. This discomfort was likely caused by the presence of the metal screw, which may have been putting pressure on the surrounding tissue and causing irritation.
As a result, Pollock and his medical team decided that it would be best to remove the screw through surgery to address the issue and alleviate his discomfort.
What Was the Surgery Like?
The surgery to remove the metal screw from A.J. Pollock’s elbow was likely performed under general anesthesia, which means that he was asleep throughout the procedure.
The surgeon likely made a small incision over the screw and used specialized tools to carefully extract it from the growth plate. Once the screw was removed, the surgeon may have used sutures or other methods to close the incision.
Recovery from this type of surgery varies, but A.J. Pollock will likely need to take some time off from baseball activities to allow his elbow to heal properly.
He may need to wear a sling or brace to immobilize the joint and protect it from further injury. Physical therapy may also be necessary to help him regain strength and range of motion in the affected arm.
The length of recovery time will depend on the extent of the surgery and the individual’s healing process. However, it is likely that Pollock will be able to return to baseball activities within a few weeks or months.
What Does This Mean for a.j. Pollock’s Future in Baseball?
Overall, the surgery to remove the metal screw from A.J. Pollock’s elbow is a positive development for his future in baseball. The discomfort and pain he was experiencing in his elbow should now be alleviated, which should improve his ability to play and perform at his best.
However, there is always a risk of complications with any surgery, such as infection, bleeding, or damage to surrounding tissue. It is important that Pollock follows his doctor’s instructions for post-operative care to minimize these risks.
For the Los Angeles Dodgers, the news that Pollock will be undergoing surgery may be concerning, given his history of injuries. However, the fact that the surgery is being performed to address a pre-existing injury rather than a new one is a positive sign.
Additionally, Pollock’s absence from the team while he recovers may provide an opportunity for other players to step up and contribute to the team’s success.
While any surgery is a serious matter, A.J. Pollock’s procedure to remove the metal screw from his elbow is ultimately good news for both him and the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Assuming a successful recovery, Pollock should be able to return to the field at full strength, contributing to the team’s success in the upcoming season.
A.J. Pollock’s Surgery Details and Recovery Timeline
| Surgery Type | Removal of metal screw from right elbow |
|---|---|
| Reason for Surgery | Alleviate discomfort and pain in elbow |
| Surgery Date | Thursday |
| Expected Recovery Timeline | Several weeks to months |
| Post-operative Care | Physical therapy likely required |
| Potential Risks | Infection, bleeding, damage to surrounding tissue |
| Impact on Playing Ability | Should improve ability to play and perform at full strength |
| Long-term Effects | Should not have any long-term effects on playing ability |
| Risk of Recurrence | Always a risk of injury recurrence with any surgery |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the success rate for this type of surgery?
The success rate for this type of surgery varies depending on the individual case, but it is generally considered a safe and effective procedure.
How long will A.J. Pollock be out of action after the surgery?
The length of time that Pollock will need to be out of action will depend on the extent of the surgery and his individual healing process. However, he will likely need to take several weeks or months off from baseball activities to allow his elbow to properly heal.
Will A.J. Pollock need to undergo physical therapy after the surgery?
It is likely that Pollock will need to undergo physical therapy to help him regain strength and range of motion in his affected arm. The length and frequency of physical therapy will depend on the individual case.
Will the surgery have any long-term effects on A.J. Pollock’s playing ability?
Assuming a successful recovery, the surgery should not have any long-term effects on Pollock’s playing ability. In fact, it may actually improve his performance by alleviating the discomfort and pain he was experiencing in his elbow.
Is there any risk of the injury recurring after the surgery?
There is always a risk of injury recurrence with any type of surgery. However, by removing the metal screw from his elbow, Pollock should be at a lower risk of experiencing further discomfort or pain in the affected area.
To Recap
A.J. Pollock’s upcoming surgery to remove a metal screw from his right elbow is an important development for his future in baseball.
The surgery is being performed to address a pre-existing injury, which should alleviate the discomfort and pain he was experiencing in his elbow.
While there is always a risk of complications with any surgery, assuming a successful recovery, Pollock should be able to return to the field at full strength, contributing to the success of the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Overall, while any surgery is a serious matter, this one is ultimately good news for Pollock and the Dodgers.
