Robert Watkins, MD, a spine surgeon and co-director of the Marina Spine Clinic in Marina del Rey, Calif., performed spine surgery on Orlando Magic star Dwight Howard, according to an Orlando Sentinel report. Mr. Howard was diagnosed with a herniated disc and spent time rehabilitating the injury at Jewett Orthopaedic Clinic in Orlando before deciding on surgery. The procedure will bench Mr. Howard for the rest of the season and post season, and he will not be able to play for Team USA in the upcoming summer Olympics.
Dr. Watkins will be performing a minimally invasive spinal procedure. He recently released this statement post surgery:
"I examined Dwight Howard on Saturday, April 21, 2012 and he showed significant improvement from his preoperative condition that necessitated mandatory spine surgery. He was discharged from Marina Del Rey Hospital on Saturday afternoon and will be reexamined this week. I have advised Dwight not to travel and to undergo rehabilitation treatment for the next three weeks in Los Angeles. He has agreed with my recommendation. While it is anticipated that Dwight will not be able to participate in the Olympics, I am very optimistic that he will be able to play next season."
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Dr. Watkins will be performing a minimally invasive spinal procedure. He recently released this statement post surgery:
"I examined Dwight Howard on Saturday, April 21, 2012 and he showed significant improvement from his preoperative condition that necessitated mandatory spine surgery. He was discharged from Marina Del Rey Hospital on Saturday afternoon and will be reexamined this week. I have advised Dwight not to travel and to undergo rehabilitation treatment for the next three weeks in Los Angeles. He has agreed with my recommendation. While it is anticipated that Dwight will not be able to participate in the Olympics, I am very optimistic that he will be able to play next season."
More Articles on Spine Surgeons:
11 Top Reasons Neurosurgeons Choose Hospital Employment
15 Spine Surgeons Using Robotic Technology
Dr. Doug Yeakal Joins Vail-Summit Orthopaedics Spine Team