During a basketball game, Jalen’s knee gave out, bringing him to the floor. What at first seemed to be a minor injury turned into a troubling knee issue. Seeking answers, Jalen’s mom Ashley visited several specialists to determine the condition and treatment options.
At Nicklaus Children’s Orthopedic, Sports Medicine & Spine Institute, Jalen and his mom received the answers they were seeking. After meeting with Dr. Craig Spurdle, Chief of Orthopedic Surgery in Nicklaus Children’s Orthopedic, Sports Medicine & Spine Institute, Jalen was diagnosed with discoid meniscus in both knees, an anomaly that causes the meniscus to lose its normal ‘C’ shape. If left untreated, Jalen was at risk for other knee complications and increased pain, and potentially an end to his basketball dreams.
Under the guidance of Dr. Spurdle and his sports medicine team, a treatment plan that included planned surgeries and physical therapy was devised to ensure Jalen could get back on the basketball court in no time. After both surgeries to restore the discoid meniscus to its normal shape were completed, Jalen regained strength and mobility at physical therapy sessions close to home at Nicklaus Children’s Dan Marino Outpatient Center. Today, Jalen is back on the court hitting nothing but net. Recently, he participated in a regional youth basketball tournament with his team, showcasing his progress and resilience.