Surgery

I can assure you there is no better orthopedic surgeon in the area than Dr. Conway for treating any type of pitcher’s arm problems. You made the right choice. Dr. Conway performed surgery on my son’s pitching arm (elbow) on October 3rd of last year. He had developed a stress fracture earlier in the year which caused reoccurring severe elbow pain when he threw. Dr. Conway inserted two screws in his elbow and then carefully monitored the healing process over the next 2 to 3 months. When he released him in January he put him on a throwing program that has enabled him to progress to where he is now pitching again without any pain at all. Dr. Conway is treating a friend’s son for what sounds like a similar problem as your son’s. He has some sort of fibrous stress fractures near his growth plate. He has him on bone growth stimulation and PT right now. I hope all goes well with your son’s surgery. Just be sure to follow Dr. Conway’s orders to the letter.

Agree on Dr. Conway, he did minor surgery on my son's elbow 11/04, cleaning out some cartlidge that was trapped in the elbow. Son had pain, went to 2 ortho's that said tennis elbow, wasted about a year rehab then went to Dr. Conway and he knew what to do and now my son is pain free and throwing like he used to...

When it comes to rehab, Dr. Conway suggested Marty Stajduhar, it was a drive to get to Marty but so well worth it, he KNOWS baseball rehab in and out.

GOOD LUCK and stick with the rehab and success will happen! Keep us posted.

My sons Dr. and coach adjusted the way he threw so that it would not put so much stress on the plate until it closes. Dr. Said it may not be until after he turns 17. From what I have been told a lot of the problems come from curve balls and sliders and the stress they put on undeveloped arms.

They changed my son to throwing sidearm, yes he lost some velocity but gained a lot of movement. Key thing is no pain throwing. He can throw overhand if playing SS or Catcher as it is not constant and he is not trying to throw curves or sliders.

Myself I am very sceptical of surgery to close a growth plate on a 16 year old that still has a lot of growing to do. They tend to continue growing until 19 - 20. I would seek other opinions and find out if other plates are still open. That could indicate he still has a lot more to grow. If that is the case ask what adverse reactions will happen to that arm if he continues to grow.

Just my 2 cents worth, surgery is not always the answer.

PantherProud, Oldbat-Never, Rogkiss,

Thanks for your response.

Just an update on the surgery, it went real well. Can’t say enough about his staff. They have called my son numerous times just to see how he was doing.

He must have put the screw in just the right place because his physical therapist is very impressed with his range of motion, only a few degrees off his left arm. Virtually no pain associated with the surgery and no loss of strength.

I’m trying to be cautiously optimistic about this whole deal because the boy has gone through a lot in his short high school career. This will be the second season he has missed due to freak injuries.

Glad to hear the surgery went well. We'll be praying for a quick return to full speed.

Good News and I wish your son a speedy recovery.....sounds very similar to my son and the freak accidents we had the elbow issue last year and week three of practice this year he broke the his ring finger on his pitching hand during fungo........so I can relate.... but with good care, a passion for the game, supportive coach and family it is all just a temporary sideline and they both will be back and ready to produce for themselves and their team......

Keep us Posted, and take the time you need in rehab it is crucial..

BB2005, you have a PM.

Lionspaw, I sent you a private message asking for Dr. Conway's tele. no. Thanks in advance.

kirk, I replied to your PM.