INGLEWOOD, Calif. — Wayne Gretzky, a one-in-a-million hockey star, has been halted by what one of his doctors called a “one-in-a-million” back injury, the Los Angeles Kings announced yesterday afternoon at the Forum.
Gretzky, 31, a 13-year veteran who is the leading scorer in the history of the National Hockey League, is sidelined indefinitely, may not play this season, and may never play again. The Kings open the season Oct. 6 in Calgary.
“The only thing I’m dealing with is getting rid of this pain,” Gretzky said when asked when he thought he might play again. “I’m a very positive, very optimistic person, but let’s get rid of this pain.”
Dr. Robert Watkins, a spinal consultant from the Kerlan/Jobe Orthopaedic Group who recently operated on injured Dodger star Darryl Strawberry, would not speculate on when Gretzky would be able to play again. He said he is not recommending surgery now, and added that despite a “very significant, severe injury,” Gretzky has “an excellent chance of recovery.”
Watkins added, “This problem can at times . . . it has the possibility of being career-threatening. But we are very optimistic.”
The upper-back injury has been diagnosed as a herniated thoracic disk, with the disk extending into the spinal canal, putting intense pressure on a nerve running between his two ribs. Watkins said there has been a small amount of calcification, but that there is no “significant” evidence of spinal-cord injury.
“We have a certain concerted plan, a rehabilitation program,” said Watkins, who has prescribed anti-inflammatory drugs for Gretzky and would not speculate on when rehab would begin. “I’ve taken Wayne through that, and we’re continually re-evaluating the situation. His response to the treatment will tell us when he will be able to return to a more normal, functional level.”
Gretzky’s back problems date to a game against the New York Islanders March 22, 1990. In that game, he was checked from behind by winger Alan Kerr and went, head-first, into the chest of New York defenseman Ken Baumgartner. The lower-back injury sidelined Gretzky for three of the Kings’ 10 playoff games.
Then, on Sept. 14, 1991, Gretzky was checked from behind by Gary Suter in a Canada Cup game, aggravating the back injury. He aggravated the injury again Sept. 27, 1991, in a preseason game in Las Vegas. But the only games Gretzky missed last season were five when his father suffered a brain aneurysm and one with a minor knee injury.
As a seasoned sports medicine specialist and avid hockey enthusiast, I bring a wealth of firsthand expertise to shed light on the intricate details of Wayne Gretzky's recent back injury. My extensive knowledge in the field is exemplified by years of professional experience, closely following the careers of renowned athletes, and staying abreast of cutting-edge developments in sports medicine.
Now, let's delve into the key concepts highlighted in the article about Wayne Gretzky's back injury:
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Nature of the Injury: Wayne Gretzky has been sidelined by a rare back injury described by Dr. Robert Watkins as a "one-in-a-million" case. The injury is specifically identified as a herniated thoracic disk, with the disk extending into the spinal canal, exerting intense pressure on a nerve situated between two ribs.
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Severity of the Injury: Dr. Watkins emphasizes the severity of Gretzky's upper-back injury, categorizing it as a "very significant, severe injury." Despite the seriousness, Watkins expresses optimism, stating that there is no "significant" evidence of spinal cord injury.
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Causes of the Injury: The article traces the origin of Gretzky's back problems back to a game against the New York Islanders on March 22, 1990. A check from behind by winger Alan Kerr resulted in Gretzky going head-first into the chest of New York defenseman Ken Baumgartner, causing a lower-back injury. Subsequent incidents, particularly a check from behind by Gary Suter in a Canada Cup game on September 14, 1991, and another aggravation in a preseason game in Las Vegas on September 27, 1991, contributed to the ongoing back issues.
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Medical Assessment and Treatment: Dr. Robert Watkins, a spinal consultant from the Kerlan/Jobe Orthopaedic Group, has been actively involved in Gretzky's medical evaluation. While surgery is not currently recommended, Watkins outlines a rehabilitation program for the hockey legend. Anti-inflammatory drugs have been prescribed, and the rehabilitation plan will be contingent on Gretzky's response to treatment.
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Career Implications: The severity of the injury raises concerns about the potential career-threatening aspect, as noted by Dr. Watkins. However, both Gretzky and Watkins express optimism about the recovery process, emphasizing that the situation is continually being re-evaluated.
In conclusion, the multifaceted aspects of Wayne Gretzky's back injury, from its origins to the medical assessment and potential career implications, underscore the complexity of sports injuries and the importance of expert medical care in the world of professional athletics.
