Altuve expected to have Hand Surgery
Houston Astros second baseman, Jose Altuve fractured his right thumb.
He was at the plate when a fast ball hit him on the right thumb and wrist area. The injury occurred while Jose was representing Venezuela in the World Baseball Classic against the United States. A 96 mph fastball by Colorado Rockies relief pitcher Daniel Bard was thrown to him while batting right. It has been reported he will undergo surgery, at an undetermined time, and may be out for about 2 months.
Dr. Mark Khorsandi of Hand Surgery specialist of Texas, out of Houston explains that fractures or injuries of the thumb can be very complex.
Being that it has already been determined it will need surgery indicates that the fracture or break is at critical location or may be close to the joint or involving a joint, or the bones may have displaced or moved out of place. Surgery will help place the bones back to near anatomical alignment, and help reduce any potential arthritis or joint issues in the future. There are a number of ways the break or fracture can be fixed. “At hand surgery specialists of Texas, we like to choose the least invasive way to fix fractures or breaks, if possible,” said Dr. Khorsandi. “Often we can fix these types of injuries without making any surgical incisions, and using temporary wires to hold fractures and the advantage is once the break is healed, there is no remaining hardware,” he said. If that is not amenable we have other options such as plates or screws.
He went on to explain, once the fracture heals which on average takes 6 – 8 weeks, he will need some therapy before returning to the field.
Jose Altuve has one of the quickest wrist movements in baseball when he swings the bat. It is amazing to watch his speed. We wish him the best, and look forward to seeing him help defend their World Series Championship.
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