The Los Angeles Times' Mike Bresnahan has reported that Kobe underwent an "experimental" knee procedure in Germany a month ago.
Lakers guard Kobe Bryant has taken an unusual step to try to strengthen his ailing right knee, undergoing an innovative procedure in Germany about a month ago, according to four people familiar with the situation who were not authorized to speak publicly.
The treatment is a derivation of platelet-rich plasma therapy. PRP procedures are less invasive than many surgeries involving the knee and are viewed as either an emerging solution to knee problems or a financial gamble on unproven science.
Hmmm? I'm sure most of you are reading the words "gamble" and "unproven" and have instantly hit the worried switch. What is platelet-rich plasma therapy?
The PRP procedure is fairly simple and takes about an hour.
A small amount of blood is drawn from the patient's arm and spun in a centrifuge for about 20 minutes to isolate platelets. With guidance from ultrasound, the platelets are then injected into the injured area to try to stimulate tissue repair.
Doesn't seem so bad. With 3 years / $83.5 million left on his contract, of course there is cause for some concern. It's not my money, so I'm not worried about that part right now. I only want to see my favorite player last forever. What's new?
Just so you know, two of the best in the world at their professions have undergone this procedure. One of them is better than ever, but younger. The other? Closer to Kobe's age, and currently still hurt. So there's that. Want to know more? Click the link and read the rest. Discuss here.
P.S. Does a lockout mean players aren't subject to HGH rules? I'm just saying, I won't tell. Haha.