Notes: Doubts on Duncan
By Joe Strauss
ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH
08/01/2008
Quote:
ATLANTA — The Cardinals are increasingly pessimistic about outfielder Chris Duncan's return to the lineup this season after a condition previously described as a pinched nerve caused by a bulging disk has since been classified a herniated disk, according to club sources.
Duncan was re-examined in St. Louis on Wednesday and received another injection to alleviate neck pain associated with a condition that also caused him weakness in his left arm and hand. Duncan has missed 10 games since being placed on the disabled list July 22.
Though Duncan's initial treatment has consisted of a series of injections, surgery is often required to address a herniation, which is more serious than a bulging disk. A club source on Thursday suggested Duncan likely would require corrective surgery.
The Cardinals just announced this evening that Chris Duncan will have surgery Monday, a possibility first reported by Joe Strauss in this morning's Post-Dispatch. Duncan has a herniated disc that he will have surgery to correct.
Here is the (brief) announcement by the team:
CHRIS DUNCAN - Herniated Disc - Will undergo surgery on Monday to relieve a herniated disc in his neck.
Eh Duncan wasnt anything special for us this year though he was doin better in July before hitting the DL.. I hope he recovers but whatever.. I'm certainly fine with the way our OF has been this year.. without Duncan too!
Duncan is out for the year, possibly longer
By Joe Strauss
ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH
08/02/2008
Cardinals left fielder Chris Duncan will undergo surgery Monday to address a herniated cervical disk, ending his season, the club confirmed Friday night.
The current condition involves the disk between Duncan's C-5 and C-6 vertebrae, sources said. Remedies include fusing the vertebrae or replacing it with a prosthetic disk made of metal or a combination of metal and steel.
A similar problem forced former Cardinal outfielder Larry Walker into retirement after the 2005 season. By definition, according to a specialist familiar with disk cases, such a condition "has to be" considered career threatening.
Cardinals outfielder Chris Duncan had a cervical disc in his neck replaced during a surgery Monday in St. Louis, a procedure that is believed to be a first for a professional athlete.
Duncan "came out of recovery and all of that pain he had been experiencing, the shooting and burning sensation down his arm was gone," his father, pitching coach Dave Duncan, said.
"All the pain is his shoulder and arm is gone. He’s very excited."
Chris Duncan will be released from the hospital today.
He will miss the remainder of the season as his rehab time will be three to four months, the team said in a statement.
Duncan is out for the year, possibly longer
Duncan is out for the year, possibly longer
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