Carolina Panthers head team physician Pat Connor, MD, of Charlotte-based OrthoCarolina will treat quarterback Cam Newton and wide receiver Damiere Byrd while Bruce Darden, MD, of OrthoCarolina treated defensive lineman Charles Johnson yesterday.
Here's what you need to know:
1. Dr. Connor will perform arthroscopic shoulder surgery on Mr. Newton's throwing shoulder at Charlotte-based Carolinas Medical Center. My Newton partially tore his rotator cuff in a week 14 game last season.
2. Following initial evaluations and test results, Mr. Newton was cleared to finish the season without missing remaining games, although his weight room and field work was partially modified. Original rehabilitation wasn't as productive as Dr. Connor had hoped it would be, leading him to recommend Mr. Newton undergo arthroscopic shoulder surgery.
3. Mr. Newton will begin a throwing program 12 weeks after surgery. If he progresses well, he will return to play with the team 16 weeks after surgery.
4. Dr. Connor will perform a scope on the torn lateral meniscus in Mr. Byrd's left knee.
5. Dr. Darden performed a microdiscectomy on Mr. Johnson on Tuesday, March 21 after an epidural injection failed to relieve the defensive lineman's back pain.
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