Anderson Silva Conference Call: Doctor Thinks ‘The Spider’ Can Make Comeback
Anderson Silva’s broken leg has been dominating the media in the wake of UFC 168, the former Middleweight kingping snapped his shankbone in the second round of his title attempt. Chris Weidman claimed the TKO win and Silva’s future remains unclear. Until tonight that is.
Dr. Steven Sanders, Silva’s orthapaedic surgeon, explains how the former champ’s surgery went. Sanders also detailed the healing period involved. Check out what he said during the recent conference call:
“Titanium rod and screws could stay in his leg if wanted. Surgery was one hour. In the recovery room, he was asleep, Anderson Silva fractured tibia and fibula one third of the way up the bone. Titanium rod inserted down tibia. From the x-rays his bones looked normal and [there was] no pathology to suggest weakness there,”
Thus far, all the news surrounding Silva’s state has been very positive. The initaial medical suspension was six months; not too bad when you consider that ‘The Spider’s’ leg was grotesquely disfigured, as the pictures of 168 show. Already discussing when he can go back to training, it seems that Silva’s MMA career may not be over just yet.
“Three to 6 months for the bone to heal 6-9 months for the soft tissue to heal. You don’t rehab a broken bone, it heals itself. Rehab will be with ankle joint. Rehab will be range of motion of ankle and knee, and some partial weight bearing after initial acute pain phase. Also with the calf muscle to avoid wastage.”
“He has spontaneously mentioned me in pre-op area asking when he can train, and afterwards when can he train. I have told him he should be able to train. Important to be positive to one’s patient. No higher risk, in general, of the bone breaking again. Titanium rod adds strength to the limb.“
Great news for Silva fans, as it is looking more and more likely that the MMA legend could eventually return. The question is will the sport have moved by too much by then? Aged 38 now, Silva’s next fight is the rehab and battle to keep fit. I hope he can come back, the MMA world needs fighters like Silva.
