Understanding Deron Williams’ Rib Cartilage Injury

• Post By: Jeff Stotts
• Date: January 8, 2015
• Category: NBA, Understanding...

Brooklyn point guard Deron Williams has been ruled out indefinitely after further tests on his left side injury revealed a fractured rib. The injury is a somewhat unique injury as the fracture isn’t located in bone itself but the connective cartilage instead.

The rib cage is made up of 24 ribs (12 on each side), the sternum (more commonly known as the breastbone), the thoracic vertebrae of the spine, and a specialized type of connective tissue known as costal cartilage. The costal cartilages of ribs 1 through 7 attach directly to the sternum and the manubrium and body of the sternum. Ribs 8 through 10 are known as the false ribs and attach to the costal cartilage of the ribs directly above them. The remaining two ribs, 11 and 12, do no attach to the sternum but do have associated cartilage in the area and remain connected to the spine.

Most costal cartilage injuries occur to the upper ribs, generally closer to the chest. For example, Jets quarterback Michael Vick missed multiple weeks with the Eagles when he cracked the costal cartilages of ribs 2 and 3 near the sternum. Chostochondral injuries are less common in the NBA but players like Portland’s Steve Blake and former Bulls guard Devin Brown have previously suffered injuries to the area.

Individuals that experience rib injuries often experience sharp pain with activity often elicited during breathing and trunk movement. Some affected individuals may report a stabbing pain for several days after the initial injury occurred. Unfortunately for the Nets a cartilage injury is a significant injury and could potentially take longer to heal than a normal fracture.

However a quick look at recent rib injuries in the NBA shows that on average isolated rib injuries only cost a player to sit for approximately 6 games (10-to-14 days). This number includes extreme cases like Gerald Wallace, who not only fractured a rib but suffered a collapsed lung at the time of injury. Internal organ damage is common with Williams’ injury but it appears he has avoided any damage to the lungs, spleen, liver, or diaphragm.

Williams will be re-evaluated in one week. If the area has healed enough to allow for him to return to action, expect Williams to return to the court wearing some kind of protective padding to reduce the impact of any collisions. One option could be a specially designed Kevlar-infused shirt created by UnEqual Technologies, though its use in basketball may require additional approval. McDavid also makes protective gear designed to protect the ribs and its products have been worn by multiple NBA players including Dwyane Wade and DeAndre Jordan.

The injury is a definite setback for the Nets but Williams’ absence may not be as long as the initial injury report suggests. Still the already overworked Jarrett Jack will now be tasked with keeping the team afloat during a particularly tough portion of their schedule. Expect Brooklyn’s award-winning medical staff to work feverishly to minimize the number of games Williams misses and keep the team in contention for one of the final playoff spots in the East.