Dr. Colvin discusses Sabathia and stem cells

The Yankees would be lucky to get CC Sabathia on the mound in two months, let alone six weeks, according to one doctor familiar with the stem-cell procedure Sabathia underwent last week.

“He may be able to practice by then, but I don’t think he’ll be back in the majors before eight-to-12 weeks,” said Dr. Selene Parekh, associate professor of surgery in the Division of Orthopaedic Surgery at Duke Orthopaedics.

Perhaps more importantly, there is so little history regarding the stem-cell injection done by Dr. James Andrews, it’s difficult to know what to expect.

Since stem cells are naturally occurring, the idea is that by injecting them into Sabathia’s knee, his body will be able to create new cells to get the knee healthier.

“It’s a big leap of faith,” Parekh said.

Dr. Alexis Colvin, orthopedic surgeon and sports medicine specialist at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, said there have been “promising” studies done regarding stem cells’ ability to reduce cartilage damage, as opposed to cortisone, which only provides pain relief.

Read full article on NYPost.com

Photo by: Paul J. Bereswill