MANILA, Philippines, January 10 ------ After a week of soul-searching whether or not to undergo surgery for a minor meniscal tear in his left knee, world No. 6 pole vaulter EJ Obiena yesterday decided to push through with the operation at the Southwest German Center for Sports Traumatology in Stuttgart. “The first open schedule of the doctor is tomorrow (Jan. 11),” said Obiena. “They believe I should have time for the Jan. 28 meet.” Performing the surgery is Dr. Dimitr-Alexander Jontschew, a recognized specialist in orthopedic surgery and medical director of the facility that is accredited by the International Society of Arthroscopy, Knee Surgery and Orthopedic Sports Medicine. Obiena is scheduled to return to action at the Init Indoor Meeting in Karlsruhe, Germany, on Jan. 28 but his participation will depend on the progress of the arthroscopic surgery and rehab.
Obiena’s adviser Jim Lafferty said he left it up to the athlete to undergo the procedure or not. If he decided to forego surgery, it would’ve meant tweaking his training routine and putting his long-term career in some jeopardy. Funding was a problem since Obiena has not received assistance from Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) or (Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association) PATAFA since August last year. Eventually, Obiena decided to proceed with the surgery which is likely a “small menisectomy.” “We have decided to do the surgery now,” said Lafferty. “We will figure out the funding. It’s best for his health and career. We may lose the German meet but intent is to be ready for the Asian Indoor Championships. It’s a simple procedure to clean the meniscus so he can recover quickly. It’s the right thing to do for his career and future. He shouldn’t continue training sub-optimally and risking further deterioration.”
The meniscus tear is in the same left knee where Obiena suffered an ACL in 2017. “(Competing on) Jan. 28 is a risk,” said Lafferty. “There is a chance, maybe but if he makes it, we should temper expectations. We’ll see based on his recovery. Also, EJ will do the surgery conscious so as they perform the clean-up, they will observe the balance of the knee and they can decide to do more with EJ’s consent as he will be awake. Dr. Jontschew has done many Olympic medalists, including the decathlon gold medalist at the 2000 Sydney Olympics, a similar procedure to EJ’s.”
Lafferty said he and his wife are ready to support Obiena, no matter what. “EJ’s a humble guy,” he said. “I’ve told him we’ll front him the money. I know he has talked to POC and they’re supportive. I don’t know currently the status and we stand ready and he knows that. Just get it done. Whether we pay all or part or none at all, I don’t know yet. EJ never takes us for granted and is always humble and respectful on these matters.”
Source: philstar.com
Comments