Special_K19
10-11-2002, 07:18 AM
This is from the Cleveland Plain Dealer
Early indications are positive following Gutierrez's surgery
10/10/02
Paul Hoynes
Plain Dealer Reporter
Minneapolis- Indians infielder Ricky Gutierrez had three vertebrae in his neck fused Monday in an operation that may allow him to participate in time for spring training next year.
Dr. Kalman Bloomberg, who performed the surgery in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., was encouraged by Gutierrez's reaction to the operation.
"Dr. Bloomberg was worried about pressure on Ricky's spinal cord and other nervous systems," said Paddy Jarit, Indians director of medical services. "But after the operation, Ricky said all the symptoms that were bothering him were gone. The doctor said it was a textbook operation."
When Gutierrez went on the disabled list Aug. 19, he said he'd been suffering from neck pain and numbness in his arms and hands since diving for a ball in an April series against Detroit.
Gutierrez will be in a neck brace for six weeks.
"He's going to lose some range of motion, but I don't think it will be that noticeable to him," said Jarit. "Depending on how his body reacts to the surgery, we could have him for spring training.
"Of course, we have to take into account his mental standing. He just had neck surgery and he may be hesitant. We'll do all we can to alleviate those concerns."
Early indications are positive following Gutierrez's surgery
10/10/02
Paul Hoynes
Plain Dealer Reporter
Minneapolis- Indians infielder Ricky Gutierrez had three vertebrae in his neck fused Monday in an operation that may allow him to participate in time for spring training next year.
Dr. Kalman Bloomberg, who performed the surgery in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., was encouraged by Gutierrez's reaction to the operation.
"Dr. Bloomberg was worried about pressure on Ricky's spinal cord and other nervous systems," said Paddy Jarit, Indians director of medical services. "But after the operation, Ricky said all the symptoms that were bothering him were gone. The doctor said it was a textbook operation."
When Gutierrez went on the disabled list Aug. 19, he said he'd been suffering from neck pain and numbness in his arms and hands since diving for a ball in an April series against Detroit.
Gutierrez will be in a neck brace for six weeks.
"He's going to lose some range of motion, but I don't think it will be that noticeable to him," said Jarit. "Depending on how his body reacts to the surgery, we could have him for spring training.
"Of course, we have to take into account his mental standing. He just had neck surgery and he may be hesitant. We'll do all we can to alleviate those concerns."