Charles Melone, MD, performed a capsular release/debridement procedure on the right middle finger of Minnesota Twins' pitcher Ervin Santana.
Here's what you should know:
1. Mr. Santana was ramping up activity in advance of spring training when he began to feel discomfort in his right finger.
2. Mr. Santana dealt with similar pain in the past and underwent a precautionary MRI discovering no muscle damage. Dr. Melone first attempted to treat the injury through an injection, and after Mr. Santana's pain didn't lessen Dr. Melone decided a surgical intervention was the best route. Mr. Santana began rehab and is expected to recover in 10 to 12 weeks.
3. Dr. Melone is an orthopedic surgeon at New York City-based The Hand Surgery Center.