Indians catcher Yan Gomes will miss significant time with a “moderate” sprain in the tibial (medial) collateral ligament which was suffered when the Tigers Rajai Davis slid into his right leg on a play at home plate during Saturday’s loss.
A sprain is a joint injury that causes a stretch in a ligament, a strong band of tissue connecting one bone to the other. The tibial (medial) collateral ligament is located on the inner side of the knee. It attaches the femur (bone of the thigh) to the tibia. The tibial collateral ligament is the prime stabilizer on the medial side of the nee joint and resists forces that force the knee medially.
By use of the term “moderate” sprain, the Indians are likely saying that it is either a second or third degree sprain which would indicate a slight tear. However, the MRI that Gomes received might not contain the entire picture because of the swelling in the ligament would cause the MRI findings to be inconclusive.
The injury was caused due to a trauma (Davis’ slide into Gomes’ right leg.) This is termed a contracoup injury since the force placed on the outside of the knee causes damage (stretching) of a structure on the inside of the knee. Every ligament has a yield point, that point of stretch that causes damage (sprain) of the ligament.
The course of healing will depend on the degree of the sprain. This is likely a second or third degree sprain which means the 6-8 week timetable given by the club for Gomes’ return is very conservative. The key is to resolve the swelling and loss of function. Typically, the athlete should not be allowed to return to activity until he can run and change directions without limping or pain.
In Gomes’ case, he will have to pass these tests and more because of the position he plays. Catchers have to squat constantly which causes more tension on the knee than usual.
Thus, it is more reasonable to put his expected return to play around August 1st, after he is aloud to resume baseball related activity. Even after his return, it will not be reasonable to have him be the everyday catcher. The ligament will need a full off-season of rest before being able to take on a full catchers workload.
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