Photo Via WNBA.com
As ESPN recently reported, Sue Bird, “The Seattle Storm star point guard is recovering from recent left knee surgery, which will sideline her for the entire summer season that began this weekend and runs through August.” Bird underwent knee surgery earlier this May to repair a cyst. She is hopeful that she will be able to play this fall when the team plays against Russia. In addition, she is optimistic that she will be back next spring.
In an interview, Bird said, “I’m doing well, I’m about almost two weeks post-op and had my follow-up appointment, everything’s good. It’s a waiting game now.”
This WNBA star has had multiple surgeries, totaling four operations in the past six years. ESPN reports that, “The 32-year-old Bird had her left knee scoped in 2007, right hip labrum repaired in 2011 and the left one done in October. That doesn’t even include the surgeries she’s had for three broken noses since 2004.”In addition, the surgeon filled the cyst area on her knee with bone from her hip.
Michael Watt, MD, orthopedic surgeon at Orthopedic Specialists of Seattle, said “The operation the Sue Bird had is not as common as surgery for meniscal tear or ligament tears, but these cysts can be a source of pain that can be discovered on x-rays or MRI’s. The cysts can be treated by cleaning out the fibrous tissue or fluid and packing it with bone. It can take several months for the new bone to get strong enough to allow for high activity. This condition is one of the possible reasons for knee pain that comes on strong without warning. The knee experts in our clinic have extensive experience in training all types of knee conditions including these types of cysts.”
Sue Bird is hopeful to be back to normal after her post-op rehabilitation. We are excited she will return to the court here in Seattle soon. Her fans are eager to see her play once again.
Orthopedic Specialists of Seattle provides comprehensive orthopedic services. We have a beautiful facility that includes onsite services such as MRI, X-ray, and a surgery center. Keep up with the OSS blog to learn about common injuries related to sports and surgical treatment options.
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