Injury Breakdown: Phil Hughes And Chris Young - Injury Updates
By Abby Sims
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Phil Hughes
Yankee right-hander Phil Hughes is reportedly ready to begin a throwing program in his quest to return to the lineup. As noted in a prior blog post, diagnostic testing did not reveal any of the likely causes of Hughes complaints of deadness in his pitching arm.
Though the absence of worrisome diagnoses like Thoracic Outlet Syndrome is a positive sign, it is troubling if the cortisone injection that Hughes received was his primary form of treatment. I am not involved in his care, and can only hope that the causes of any inflammation were identified, for that is the only way in which further issues can be avoided.
Treating an inflammation with cortisone and rest does not address any underlying structural problems, strength imbalances or undue stresses or strains due to glitches in pitching mechanics. These or other issues could have resulted in Hughes symptoms and inflammation. Not addressing the predisposing factors could lead to recurrent vulnerability.
Chris Young
Well, we said in an earlier post that we'd keep an eye on the progress of Mets pitcher Chris Young. Though I was not surprised by the news, I was sorry to learn that Young's problems are far greater than his original diagnosis of biceps tendinitis led us to believe.
Young was put on the DL once again and an MRI revealed a torn anterior capsule. A joint capsule surrounds most joints and, along with ligaments, provides joint stability. With a tear in the anterior capsule (the front portion), the shoulder is unstable. This is particularly so with the shoulder in the overhead, outwardly (externally) rotated position required to pitch or throw.
Instability results in stresses on, and breakdown of, other structures of the shoulder girdle. Pitchers with anterior instability are likely to complain of pain at the posterior (rear) portion of the shoulder joint during the late cocking and early acceleration phases of the pitching motion. Likewise, they experience anterior subluxation of the humerus (when the bone glides beyond its normal position in the direction of, but less than with, dislocation).
Young plans to undergo surgery on May 16, according to the Mets. Having had labral surgery in 2009, he is well acquainted with the long recovery process after surgical intervention.
With his current diagnosis, it's probably the right call. No amount of strengthening and work on his pitching mechanics can change the fact that there is an underlying pathology. Only surgery can do that.
