News
Pujols' elbow surgery a 'success'
Cardinals All-Star expected to make complete recovery
By Matthew Leach / MLB.com
10/21/09 1:17 PM EST
The Cardinals announced that Albert Pujols underwent arthroscopic surgery on his problematic right elbow on Wednesday. In a statement, the club referred to the procedure as "a success."Dr. James Andrews performed the surgery in Birmingham, Ala., with Cardinals head team physician Dr. George Paletta present. According to the statement, Pujols underwent both debridment -- or cleanup -- of bone spurs on his elbow and removal of bone chips from the joint.
It was determined during the operation that Pujols does not currently require "Tommy John" reconstructive surgery in his elbow. He has a significant injury to the ulnar collateral ligament in the joint, but has dealt with it since 2003 without undergoing the much more extensive procedure.
According to the club, Pujols will begin rehabbing next week in St. Louis and is "expected to fully recover," but no time frame for his return to baseball action has been set.
In a statement, Pujols said, "I want to thank all of my fans who have reached out to the Pujols Family Foundation wishing me well. I've said throughout my whole career, the best fans in the world are right here in St. Louis, and your support means a great deal to me and my family."
Matthew Leach is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
