Our topic for this Blog is Tiger Woods’ knee reconstruction.  The literature shows that following knee replacements that right handed golfers with left knee reconstructions (thus removal of both cruciate ligaments) have greater difficulty returning to the same handicap levels after surgery.  Ernie Els took considerable time to recover to high level playing performance following his left anterior cruciate knee reconstruction.  It would appear the rotatory instability is more problematic in the lead leg (left for right handed golfers) with a cruciate deficient knee - that is the rotatory forces (or torques) that need to be tolerated in the left knee through transition and impact are substantial.  How long will it take for Tiger to return to his pre-surgical playing level?  What technical problems do you see him having from a coaching or technical perspective?  What specific training and rehabilitation exercises would he need to include at end stage to satisfy you that he was fit to return to high level competition?  What time frame do you believe he will need to be completely recovered?  Raise any issues that you feel will impact on his return to play.  Have your say by clicking on the “comments” below and see what the rest of The Golf Athlete members feelings are.

The following is a chronology of the knee trauma/pathology since December 1994;

1. December 1994: removal of two benign tumours and scar tissue
2. December 2002: removal of fluid around ACL and benign cysts.  Investigation through arthroscopy reveals anterior cruciate damage.  Effective hamstring strengthening and rehabilitation is suggested.
3. July 2007: Finally ruptures ACL when he missteps while running on a golf course after the British Open.  No lasting pain following final this injury.
4. April 2008: Arthroscopic surgery to repair the cartilage damage but puts off final ACL reconstruction.  Damage was to the articular surface of the tibia and femur (and possibly in the Patellofemoral Joint).  Still only mild instability at this time.
5. May 2008: Now diagnosed with two stress fracture/reactions in the left tibia just prior to US Open.
6. June 2008: Surgery 8 days after winning the US Open (after 91 holes) - ?quadricep graft from right leg and some further cartilage surface repair.
7. 2009 ???