Based on what we know of Adrian Peterson's injury and surgery Thursday, the Vikings shouldn't expect him back this season, according to a prominent orthopedic surgeon who has treated pro athletes in the past.
Dr. Robert Marx, sports medicine surgeon at Hospital for Special Surgery in New York, said based on reports that Peterson has what is known as a "bucket handle" tear of his meniscus, he is likely six months away from a full recovery — meaning Peterson wouldn't play again this season.
To be clear, Marx is not treating Peterson but has performed numerous similar surgeries in the past.
Peterson had surgery Thursday for what was termed a "repair" of his right lateral meniscus. It was deemed a success.
Still, that's a pretty serious injury, surgery and recovery — more so than another more common procedure whereby the meniscus can be trimmed and an athlete can return in 4-6 weeks.
"The meniscus is a C-shaped structure like the handle of a bucket," Marx said. "With a bucket handle tear, basically the meniscus is totally flipped and the whole thing detaches. … Usually what we'll do is repair the meniscus by suturing it. If you suture it the recovery to return to sports is pretty much six months. You can be on the early side, but that's really it.
And that's the only way to fix that specific kind of meniscus tear, Marx said.
"You either suture it or you cut it out," he said. "If you cut it out, you can return to play faster, but that's not good for the long-term health of the knee."
