Thanks Faos. I'd rather see Yao out for a longer time and be sure that it's healed for good instead of rushing him back prematurely and having this come back again and again.
Here's the official release: HOUSTON - Houston Rockets center Yao Ming had the nail removed from his left big toe after initial consultation with team physician Dr. Thomas Clanton. The procedure was performed as a precautionary measure and he is expected to return to action in approximately seven to 10 days. "We felt that it was in Yao's best interest to remove the nail. The problem is completely unrelated to the infection that Yao had in his left great toe last year." said Clanton. "The nail was not growing in properly, and while he was not feeling any discomfort at the time, we decided it would be best to remove the nail. This is a very common procedure that is performed on many athletes and there should be no long-lasting effects moving forward."
I hate that this didn't happen sooner, like before training camp even started. The missed practice and "chemistry" time with new teammates is unfortunate but at least they finally took decisive action. We need Yao to ramp up fast and start the season strong once he comes back.
I was wondering the same thing. Is this a one-time for life type of thing, or will he have to get it done again at some point in the future?
Unfortunately the toenail will grow back unless you chop off the toe. One can only hope that the new toenail grows back in normal shape.
damn that toe nail grows fast. didnt he cut it off last season? this yao foot problem is terrible. i swear reebok promised to make him some special shoes but that idea fell through. he needs like socks made of jelly or someTHING to absorb all the shock and soemthing that keeps it from getting disinfected. what sucks more is that since he's asian (like me) he's going to be taking his shoes off at home. and everyone's gotta see that missing toenail. blech.
Actually, as long as they remove the germinal matrix, the nail will not grow back. But he will need careful follow up to make sure they got it all.
Ouch, 7-10 days only? Let him sit out the entire preseason. We need him fully recovered before the season.
Adidas owns Reebok. If Adidas can stitch a sneaker sole onto a soccer boot: http://img127.imageshack.us/img127/8356/adidhh4.jpg I don't see why Reebok can't figure the same: http://img54.imageshack.us/img54/8683/reebup8.jpg
