A Doctor Explains Derrick Rose's Injury

By Benjy Lipsman in News on May 4, 2012 7:40PM

Despite a rash of injuries to key players, including a variety of ailments suffered by star point guard Derrick Rose, the Chicago Bulls still managed to claim the NBA's best record and top seed in the playoffs. But fate was extra cruel to the Bulls, as Rose went down with a knee injury late in game one of their opening round playoff series.

While fans may have initially hoped it to be a minor ding, we quickly realized that wasn't the case. Within hours, fans heard the most dreaded of letters -- ACL. Derrick Rose had torn the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee and was finished for the postseason, and likely a good chunk of next year, too. In a flash, any hopes of a rally in Grant Park come June disappeared.

With so much interest in this one ligament, former Chicagoisto Matt Wood and his colleague Rob Mitchum spoke with Dr. Martin Leland of the University of Chicago Medical Center to get some explanation about D-Rose's injury and his prognosis for recovery.

Dr. Leland, who performs nearly 100 ACL surgeries himself annually, described exactly what the ACL is, where it is, and its importance in movement. He mentioned that he could diagnose the injury simply by seeing the video -- our physical therapy student wife said the same thing.

Leland discussed how Rose's previous injuries throughout the season likely contributed to muscle weakness from lack of conditioning that increased the likelihood of his injury, as did the fact it was late in the game when fatigue sets in. Perhaps Thibodeau should've sat Rose, given the lead at the time. Did the Bulls' medical staff make any recommendations to that effect, and if so, was it Thibs or Rose who chose to ignore them?

As for Rose's return to the court, he'll first have to endure surgery to repair the torn ACL and then months of rehab. Leland outlined what Rose will go through over the next nine to twelve months, which is the anticipated time for him to recover enough to return to the court. But given factors like advancements in treatment and Rose's age, the prognosis is good that the Bulls superstar should eventually return without lingering issues.