CROWN POINT, Indiana – News reports of Houston Rockets center Yao Ming opting for surgery for what is described as a stress fracture of his navicular bone in his foot, have prompted podiatric physician and surgeon Dr. Michael Nirenberg to warn Ming to reconsider his decision for surgery. Having treated at least 50 navicular stress fractures, Nirenberg says that in his experience, surgery for a stress fracture of the navicular is generally not necessary.
"This type of surgery has many risks and could create more problems," Nirenberg says. His warning to Ming is based on news reports of Ming's injury. "There are high-tech bone stimulators that could help this kind of fracture," Nirenberg says. "These bone stimulators could be used in conjunction with a cast and crutches."
Nirenberg cites the scientific literature as generally supporting a non-surgical approach to these types of fractures. Nirenberg urges Ming to seek a second-opinion from a physician with experience treating navicular fractures. In fact, Nirenberg has offered to examine Ming's x-rays and even his foot before any surgery is done.
About Dr. Nirenberg
Known as America's Podiatrist, Dr. Michael Nirenberg's mission is to promote awareness of good foot health in America. He has published in several scientific journals, won the Distinguished Podiatric Medical Writing Award, lectured extensively, including to the Arthritis Foundation, and serves on the Board of Directors of the American Society of Forensic Podiatry. He is in private practice in Crown Point, Indiana. Dr. Nirenberg can be contacted at: (219)663-2273.
CONTACT:
Dr. Michael Nirenberg
America's Podiatrist
50 W. 94th Place
Crown, IN 46307
Cell 219-663-2273
americaspodiatrist@
www.AmericasPodiatrist.com
