Hip surgery recommended for Umenyiora

[Oldskool]

http://www.nj.com/giants/index.ssf/2010/07/hip_surgery_recommended_for_gi.html

Osi Umenyiora tried to battle his way through a hip issue this offseason, as he figured it was simply another flare-up of a lingering injury that pops up annually during spring workouts.

One month into summer, the pain is still there for the Giants’ beleaguered defensive end. And one expert says it won’t go away without surgery.

Earlier this month, Umenyiora traveled to the Steadman Clinic in Vail, Colo., to visit noted hip specialist Marc Philippon, according to someone informed of the trip and Philippon’s diagnosis. The person, who requested anonymity because neither the Giants nor Umenyiora’s camp has discussed his condition, said Philippon recommended surgery to repair side effects from a torn hip flexor that kept Umenyiora out of five games in 2006.

The person said Philippon, who has performed hip surgeries on the Yankees’ Alex Rodriguez, the Ravens’ Ed Reed, former Cardinals quarterback Kurt Warner and several other high-profile athletes, scheduled Umenyiora’s operation for the near future. But Philippon, Umenyiora and the Giants’ medical staff eventually agreed to pass on surgery for now and try to manage the injury because he won’t make it worse by playing through it.

A Giants spokesman declined comment. Umenyiora’s agent, Tony Agnone, wrote in a text message he was unavailable to speak on the matter because he was visiting clients Monday. Umenyiora, who will report to training camp with his teammates on Sunday, could not be reached for comment.

Umenyiora has been able to play through and manage his hip pain the past few seasons. He led the Giants with seven sacks last season and had 13 in 2007 before missing all of 2008 with a knee injury. However, this spring the hip injury was worse than it had been during recent offseasons. The Giants even cited the hip as a reason for his being absent from an organized team activities practice.

The two-time Pro Bowl selection has also been frustrated by being relegated to a part-time role last season and said this offseason he wouldn’t be pleased with backing up Mathias Kiwanuka if he was playing his best football.

With his hip pain refusing to subside, it’s unclear if he’ll reach top form at all this season.

[scyber]

The Giants first round pick of JPP might be a lot more valuable than originally anticipated. If Osi has a nagging injury, JPP is likely going to get more playing time.

[OWUeagleMD]

I'd like to see a 10-year study on all the players who played on despite recommendations for surgery to see how many resulted in surgery anyway. It seems to me it's near 100 percent.

I can understand that he's coming up on a contract year (right?) and doesn't want to miss this season for going under the knife and then have to secure a deal while recovering. Nonetheless, it seems clear that he'll eventually be getting the surgery anyway. All he's doing is delaying the date of full recovery.

[Oldskool]

I'd like to see a 10-year study on all the players who played on despite recommendations for surgery to see how many resulted in surgery anyway. It seems to me it's near 100 percent.

I can understand that he's coming up on a contract year (right?) and doesn't want to miss this season for going under the knife and then have to secure a deal while recovering. Nonetheless, it seems clear that he'll eventually be getting the surgery anyway. All he's doing is delaying the date of full recovery.

He's under contract until 2013: 2010: $3.1 million (+ $1.1 million in roster bonuses), 2011: $3.125 million, 2012: $3.975 million, 2013: Free Agent

It does seem he's been getting alot of bad advice lately.

[scyber]

Osi is signed through 2012. The biggest question regarding his long term status on the Giants has to do with the fact that Kiwinuka's contract is up after this year. If the Giants sign Kiwinuka to a decent sized deal, Osi's days on the Giants on probably numbered. Kiwi wants to start and the Giants need to pick between one or the other this year.

[Hitman21ST]

How much value would Osi bring in?

[Oldskool]

How much value would Osi bring in?

To a 4-3 team and if he's healthy, he'd easily be a 3rd rounder if not a lock for a 2nd. Considering he's going under the knife and may not be 100% this year I doubt the Giants would move him simply because his contract is reasonable and they wouldn't get fair market for him.

[Tom [Giants fan]]

This has been going on since 2006. He played well enough with it in 2007 so I'm sure he can play through it. But, if surgery fixes it and he can play pain free, how long would the recovery time be where he can't do it during an off season? Must be a very long recovery time or career ending if he has it done.

[Spartacus87]

The Giants first round pick of JPP might be a lot more valuable than originally anticipated. If Osi has a nagging injury, JPP is likely going to get more playing time.

I hope that happens.

The more JPP is on the field early on, the worse that is for the Giants' defense.

[Conn]

I hope that happens.

The more JPP is on the field early on, the worse that is for the Giants' defense.

Exactly what I was going to say. Dude is raw as hell.

[OWUeagleMD]

I hope that happens.

The more JPP is on the field early on, the worse that is for the Giants' defense.

Maybe. Maybe not.

[Oldskool]

Maybe. Maybe not.

True. As it is now, JPP will see the field as a rookie in situational pass rushing downs when Tuck plays DT and where he can do what he does best; get after the QB. He won't have to worry about run defense or covering receivers in space.

[dockeryfan]

I'd like to see a 10-year study on all the players who played on despite recommendations for surgery to see how many resulted in surgery anyway. It seems to me it's near 100 percent.

You really have to go with comparable injuries. A knee vs a foot vs a hip flexor vs a sports hernia. You can't compare them. This hip flexor...they aren't even telling us which one. He may not actually be hurting himself by playing through it.

[Spartacus87]

Maybe. Maybe not.

You're really going out on a limb there.

He played in 13 games at the D-1A level, and only started 7 of those. That's his experience level. Starting 7 college games, now on to the NFL. And he was fairly raw as a pass rusher in college.

He's a project "high upside" pick as it is. Put him in the fire early on and odds are excellent that his inexperience will show in a glaring way.

[Hitman21ST]

You're really going out on a limb there.

He played in 13 games at the D-1A level, and only started 7 of those. That's his experience level. Starting 7 college games, now on to the NFL. And he was fairly raw as a pass rusher in college.

He's a project "high upside" pick as it is. Put him in the fire early on and odds are excellent that his inexperience will show in a glaring way.

FWIW, Antonio Gates didn't play a down of college football.

[Spartacus87]

FWIW, Antonio Gates didn't play a down of college football.

I think we can obviously agree that Gates would be the exception to that rule when it comes to success in the NFL without college experience. Also, he was signed as an undrafted FA and worked his way in to his role. JPP was a fairly high 1st round pick. Expectations are clearly much different.

[OWUeagleMD]

You're really going out on a limb there.

He played in 13 games at the D-1A level, and only started 7 of those. That's his experience level. Starting 7 college games, now on to the NFL. And he was fairly raw as a pass rusher in college.

He's a project "high upside" pick as it is. Put him in the fire early on and odds are excellent that his inexperience will show in a glaring way.

I'd rather be level and reasonable than go out on a limb.

You're right. He's a project pick with huge upside. Rather than concluding that his presence is an unqualified negative for the Giants, I prefer acknowledging that the possibility of a home run exists too.

[DWinzit]

pass on surgery for now and try to manage the injury because he won’t make it worse by playing through it.

However, this spring the hip injury was worse than it had been during recent offseasons.

I'd be worried about this if indeed flexors can't worsen. First thought is, was there trauma to the joint? I hope not for Osi's sake. This could be the reason he is willing to attempt to play through one more year....

[barens2]

Awful news to me...despite an off year last year coming back from a torn ACL, he's still been our best pure pass rusher. I expected him to come back strong as a better run defender and pass rusher, but now, I see why Kiwi is starting ahead of him.

In a tough division, war of attrition is key, and I'm sure this will be a big blow.

[Oldskool]

Osi Umenyiora-DL- Giants Jul. 29 - 12:17 pm et

NFL.com's Jason LaCanfora reports there is concern that Osi Umenyiora's hip injury "could dog him throughout the 2010 season."

Surgery would have had Umenyiora missing at least three months, and could have put his 2010 season in jeopardy. As the two-time Pro Bowler is sweating the possibility of losing his starting job to Matthias Kiwanuka, Osi is doing everything in his power to stay on the field, even if he needs to get shot up with painkillers before each kickoff.