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There's been so much crap vomited by the media about Tom's knee that I'm getting sick to my stomach. It's frankly getting out of hand. Reporters are scrambling so hard to pen the most irreverant story that they're calling every expert they can get their hands on to formulate an opinion. Mike Patraglia decided to find Dr. Kremchek from Cincinnati to give us these bits:
“What will probably have to happen is that they will have to go in, remove everything–including the screws, everything—because everything has to be sterile and clean for (the repair) to take,” Kremchek said.
What does that mean in terms of timetable?
“Next year, I have to think, is seriously in doubt,” Kremchek said.
Now it becomes clearer why so many people are concerned.
Worst case?
“His career could be in jeopardy,” Kremchek said.
I do not dispute the good doctor's credentials. In fact, he's probably one of the best in the business given many of his clients are pro athletes. He even has a website which is probably how Patraglia found him. What I'm having trouble with is the second guessing that inevitably insues, either directly from these experts or from the media spinning what they say.
I'm pretty sure Brady's not an idiot. Aside from his importance to the Patriots Organization, I don't think he wants to limp around for the rest of his life. So, when he chose Dr. Neal ElAttrache to perform the surgery, it was for a number of very good reasons. First, and of utmost importance, Dr. ElAttrache is one of the best. Second, he's near his family who can help him recuperate as well as "shield" him from the media. Third, he's away from Boston, which is where most of the media spotlight would originate from. 3,000 miles makes it difficult for a media outlet to track someone down.
ESPN, an organization I put on par with the Boston Herald, cited "sources" that the Patriots were unhappy with Brady's choice of doctor. Granted, his importance to the New England organization is unquestionable, but frankly it's his knee. He's here maybe 5 more years, but will have to deal with a bum knee for the rest of his life. IT'S...HIS...CHOICE!! Second guessing and questioning his chosen doctor is foolish.
My daugher has had 2 knee surgeries at Boston Children's Hospital, rated one of the best pediatric facilities in the country almost every year. Her doctor? He's operated on skater Nancy Kerrigan and numerous Boston Ballet dancers, to name but a few. She got an infection. I didn't second guess my choice because with a lesser doctor, it could've been worse. In addition, if you've ever spent time in hospitals (I have, too much time), infections can be par for the course. The fact that these facilities can reduce infection as much as they do is amazing to me.
When Dr. ElAttrache went in to Brady's left knee, he found that the MCL STILL hadn't healed. Remember, when the ACL and MCL are damaged, doctors typically wait for the MCL to heal and then go in for the ACL, hence the reason for the weeks of delay following Brady's September 7th injury. The good doctor had to repair both at the same time and, apparently, the infection resulted from the MCL repair. I'm no doctor, but it's hard to imagine a doctor in Boston not having trouble with this.
I, for one, am chilling out about the knee thing. We have enough to worry about with a backfield in disarray and the offensive line resembling swiss cheese. I plan on watching some football.