Chiefs RB Charles says he had stem-cell treatment along with ACL surgery
By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
Sunday, December 13, 2015 at 12:00 am
Chiefs running back Jamaal Charles told Sports Illustrated that he recently had stem-cell treatment as part of his recovery from a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee.
Charles, who is on injured reserve, said this is the first time he’s used the procedure. When he tore his ACL in 2011, he did not use it, but did so this time because he believes it can help him return to the field quicker. Charles says he had stem cells injected during his ligament-repair surgery and again six weeks later. The treatment involves taking a patient’s bone marrow, extracting the stem cells and then injecting them into the injured part of the body.
Stem-cell treatment is increasingly popular among NFL players — Sports Illustrated reported over 100 players have tried the surgery in the past few years — but the use of such therapy is limited in the United States.
Shortly after Charles injured the knee during an early-October loss to the Chicago Bears, he underwent an operation by noted orthopedic surgeon James Andrews, who also repaired the torn ACL that Charles suffered four years ago.
Arizona Cardinals running back Chris Johnson is one notable example of a player who has had stem-cell treatment under Andrews’ supervision. Johnson, who had a torn meniscus, hoped the procedure in 2014 would lead to improved healing and cartilage growth.
Johnson rushed 155 times for 663 yards (an average of 4.3 yards per carry) in 2014, and rushed 196 times for 814 yards (an average of 4.2 yards) before a knee injury has kept him out for multiple weeks.
Charles says his goal is to return in time for the 2016 regular season. two touchdown passes in the second half for the Wildcats, who have lost in the semifinals the past two seasons.
CHIEFS INJURIES: Chiefs linebacker Justin Houston will miss his second straight game because of a hyperextended knee, Coach And Reid said Friday. The Chiefs play host to the San Diego Chargers on Sunday.
Houston injured the knee in the Nov. 29 game against the Buffalo Bills. Dee Ford started in Houston’s place last week.
By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
Sunday, December 13, 2015 at 12:00 am
Chiefs running back Jamaal Charles told Sports Illustrated that he recently had stem-cell treatment as part of his recovery from a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee.
Charles, who is on injured reserve, said this is the first time he’s used the procedure. When he tore his ACL in 2011, he did not use it, but did so this time because he believes it can help him return to the field quicker. Charles says he had stem cells injected during his ligament-repair surgery and again six weeks later. The treatment involves taking a patient’s bone marrow, extracting the stem cells and then injecting them into the injured part of the body.
Stem-cell treatment is increasingly popular among NFL players — Sports Illustrated reported over 100 players have tried the surgery in the past few years — but the use of such therapy is limited in the United States.
Shortly after Charles injured the knee during an early-October loss to the Chicago Bears, he underwent an operation by noted orthopedic surgeon James Andrews, who also repaired the torn ACL that Charles suffered four years ago.
Arizona Cardinals running back Chris Johnson is one notable example of a player who has had stem-cell treatment under Andrews’ supervision. Johnson, who had a torn meniscus, hoped the procedure in 2014 would lead to improved healing and cartilage growth.
Johnson rushed 155 times for 663 yards (an average of 4.3 yards per carry) in 2014, and rushed 196 times for 814 yards (an average of 4.2 yards) before a knee injury has kept him out for multiple weeks.
Charles says his goal is to return in time for the 2016 regular season. two touchdown passes in the second half for the Wildcats, who have lost in the semifinals the past two seasons.
CHIEFS INJURIES: Chiefs linebacker Justin Houston will miss his second straight game because of a hyperextended knee, Coach And Reid said Friday. The Chiefs play host to the San Diego Chargers on Sunday.
Houston injured the knee in the Nov. 29 game against the Buffalo Bills. Dee Ford started in Houston’s place last week.