Sizemore out with back problem

[jim]

Missing opening day ... played basically 4 years without missing anything putting up pretty impressive numbers. Now the last four years it's one thing after another with this guy.

[Hungary Jack]

Sounds like a lower back strain will derail his rehab on his knee, which isn't going to be ready for opening day.

It seems so common that when one body part isn't right, another part gets injured compensating for the weakness. The back sure bears the brunt of lower body injuries that impact biomechanics.

[go birds]

Such a shame. Guy is a beast when he's healthy.

[jim]

He was also a beast when they weren't checking for steroids. I shouldn't say that, but I do wonder. Shame on me.

[go birds]

I was gonna say steroids too...bit isn't micro fracture in his kneecap the root of the problem?

[Hungary Jack]

Microfracture is a surgical procedure, not an injury. It is a somewhat drastic procedure to restore the functioning surface of the bone inside a joint (almost always the knee). It involves drilling small holes in the bone into the marrow. Stuff oozes out and helps create a smooth surface on the joint to alleviate arthritic conditions from excessive wear and tear.

People who need microfracture typically suffer from excessive repetitive use. This could include running/sprinting, and also weight training. To the extent that Sizemore used steroids to enable him to use weights aggressively, his alleged steroid use could have some cause in his knee injury.

But note that steroids, as far as we know, don't cause damage to the bone tissue. Guys who use steroids in weight training use them to enable faster recovery, which enables more work in the weight room and more growth. Barry Bonds didn't get huge from popping pills. He got huge from working his ass off with the weights.

[Kincaid]

MLB has been testing for steroids for Sizemore's entire career. Sizemore's MLB debut was in 2004, the same year MLB launched its punitive drug testing program.

[go birds]

thank HJ. All this time I've been under the impression that microfracture surgery was to fix a small fracture in the kneecap. lol

[Hungary Jack]

thank HJ. All this time I've been under the impression that microfracture surgery was to fix a small fracture in the kneecap. lol

They can actually do microfracture on the underside of the kneecap if it gets all gouged up. Mine has some wear and tear, but I am thankfully far from being a candidate for the procedure according to a specialist I saw a few months back. I was thinking it would be much worse. I actually started running sprints again on the track and in the pool, and it feels pretty good.

I think Beltran had his MF surgery in January 2010. He should be as recovered as he can be by now. He missed half the year, and more importantly, probably did not have time to work on his leg strength and conditioning until after the season. The fact that he performed so well last year is really encouraging. I don't think his knee will be an issue.

[Jocephus]

Grady Sizemore underwent a micro discectomy procedure on his lower back Thursday and will be sidelined for 8-12 weeks.
And the hits keep on coming. Sizemore injured the back last month while rehabbing from knee surgery. Thursday's procedure could keep him sidelined through the first two months of the season. The Indians surprised some by re-signing Sizemore to a one-year, $5 million contract this offseason, and the deal is already looking like a bust.
Source: Jordan Bastian on Twitter
Mar 1 - 4:00 PM