In this week's episode of the Spine & Nerve podcast Dr. Nicolas Karvelas and Dr. Brian Joves return to their Bay Area roots and mourn with Dub Nation after a devastating injury to Klay Thompson (shooting guard for the Golden State Warriors).  Klay Thompson sustained a season ending right Achilles’ tendon tear. Thompson suffered the injury during a workout... after a year of rehabbing from an ACL injury to his left knee that occurred during the 2019 NBA Finals.  If anyone can fight their way back through 2 consecutive grueling rehab processes and return to the level of play we expect from a player of Klay Thompson’s magnitude, it is Klay, but even for him this will be an incredible physical and mental challenge.

 

Tendon injuries are very prevalent with epidemiologic studies finding it to be the 2nd most common musculoskeletal condition to result in pursuit of medical care (behind spine pain). The pathophysiology of acute and chronic tendon injury does differ, with acute tendon injuries have a stronger proportion of extrinsic factors, while chronic tendon injury is driven more by a variety of intrinsic factors as well.  Inherent characteristics of tendons, including but not limited to relatively low metabolic rate and poor vascularization serve to optimize the tendon’s ability to perform their valuable function in the body, but also contribute to the poor healing potential of tendons.  

 

Listen as the doctors discuss the basics of tendon anatomy and function, the pathophysiology of tendon injury, as well as the evidence behind some of the treatment options (including platelet rich plasma).  

Lastly, the doctors explain and emphasize their respect and love for Klay Thompson and how he approached the game of basketball.  Whether it is in basketball, medicine, or life, it is always special to witness someone give it their all for what they love, and Klay Thompson always left it all on the floor.  Rest up, and heal up Klay, and we will see you soon for another championship run with the Warriors.

 

This podcast is for information and educational purposes only, it is not meant to be medical or career advice. If anything discussed may pertain to you, please seek council with your healthcare provider. The views expressed are those of the individuals expressing them, the may not represent the views of Spine & Nerve.

 

References:

1. MacLean S, Khan WS, Malik AA, Snow M, Anand S. Tendon Regeneration and Repair with Stem Cells. Stem Cells International. 2012. Article ID 316281.

2. Sharma, P, Maffulli, N. Tendon Injury and Tendinopathy: Healing and Repair. The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery. 2005; 87:187-202.

3. Keene David J, Alsousou Joseph, Harrison Paul, Hulley Philippa, Wagland Susan, Parsons Scott R et al. Platelet rich plasma injection for acute Achilles tendon rupture: PATH-2 randomised, placebo controlled, superiority trial BMJ 2019; 367 :l6132.

4. Fitzpatrick J, Bulsara M, Zheng MH. The Effectiveness of Platelet-Rich Plasma in the Treatment of Tendinopathy: A Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Clinical Trials. The American Journal of Sports Medicine. 2017;45(1):226-233.