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Kevin Ware's leg surgery is successful, Louisville says
Louisville guard Kevin Ware (bottom) is checked on by guard/forward Luke Hancock (right) after an injury in the first half during the finals of the NCAA Midwest Region final at Lucas Oil Stadium. (Photo: Jamie Rhodes, USA TODAY Sports) Story Highlights - Kevin Ware had successful surgery Sunday night
- Ware had his bone re-set, a rod inserted and his wound closed
- Ware hopes to rejoin his team in Atlanta to support them in the Final Four
University of Louisville basketball player Kevin Ware underwent successful surgery Sunday night to repair the gruesome open fracture of his right tibia he suffered during the Cardinals' 85-63 win over Duke in the Midwest Regional final, and he is expected to remain in Indianapolis until at least Tuesday, U of L announced.
Ware had the bone reset, and a rod was inserted into leg during the operation that lasted about two hours. The wound caused by the bone puncturing through his skin in his lower leg was closed.
U of L's late-night release said no timetable for recovery has been set, but the early prognosis from U of L sports medicine director Fred Hina - given right after the game while Ware was in surgery - was that Ware is bound for a lengthy recovery, but the injury is not likely a career-ending one.
LOPRESTI: Injury evokes serious emotion TWITTER RESPONSES: Outpouring of support
NCAA TOURNAMENT: Updated bracket
Hina was part of the team that stabilized Ware's injury on the court as he was removed on a stretcher.
"It's an injury that needs to be dealt with in a swift fashion due to the fact that it was open, and there are infection concerns, and then obviously you need to stabilize that fracture," he said. "One thing you have to establish is, is there circulation below the fracture. Did he disrupt any arteries or veins? Once we establish that, it's stabilizing the fracture as tight as we can so that it doesn't move."
Ware is hopeful he can return to Louisville after Tuesday, then join the Cardinals as they advance to the Final Four in Atlanta, his hometown.
U of L's team physician traveled with Ware in the ambulance to the hospital after the injury, and Hina and Ware's girlfriend, who was at the game, have been in contact with Ware's mother, who lives in Atlanta.
Ware's mother planned to travel to see him soon, Hina said.
Hina said Ware's recovery time would be based on the nature of the hardware that was inserted in his leg.
"Because it was a weight-bearing bone and it was such a difficult injury, it will take a while," Hina said. "But he will play again."
Hina likened the injury to the season-ending fracture suffered by former U of L running back Michael Bush in the 2006 season.
Bush recovered to be chosen in the next year's NFL draft and currently plays for the Chicago Bears.
"Once I spoke to the trainer at halftime and he told me it's Michael Bush's injury," U of L coach Rick Pitino said. "He said it's going to take some time coach, but he'll be fine. Once I knew that then I could regroup and just get them refocused. ... He's going to be fine. Now if this was a career-ending injury? (But) we all know how good Michael Bush is right now, and it's a Michael Bush injury."
Hina said he's seen similar severe fractures, but there's no getting used to seeing injuries so gruesome.
"It never gets more palatable," he said.
Bush posted on Twitter that he cried after seeing Ware's injury.
"I feel so bad," he wrote. "Flashback of myself."
Dr. Craig Roberts, chairman of U of L's department of orthopedic surgery, was coming out of an operation when he caught the replay of Ware's injury on TV.
"It was very dramatic, very deformed," Roberts said. "I hate to use the word grisly, but it brought me back to Joe Theismann," he said, referring to the professional football player whose compound fracture in 1985 ended his career.
An open fracture could have been caused simply by the amount of force and the angle at which Ware landed after leaping to challenge a Duke shot, Roberts said.
"It looks like what we call a bending fracture—like snapping a pencil with your finger," he said. "There was a significant amount of force, and the angle looked about right."
Roberts said open fractures of this sort would be treated by intravenous antibiotics and surgery to implant a metal rod within eight hours of the injury. He added that Methodist Hospital "has a very strong group of orthopedic surgeons"
Dr. Tony Wanich, an orthopedic surgeon who specializes in sports medicine at Montefiore Medical Center in New York, said Ware's injury was extremely unusual given the circumstance, and that such severe fractures are usually seen in car crashes.
In such an injury, Roberts said that in the "best-case scenario," a patient would begin to show signs of healing within 8-12 weeks. "With…physical therapy, top-notch rehab, he may actually be doing quite well by three months or so," he said. "From there, it's a matter of muscle rehabilitation, strengthening, sport-specific rehab."
Dr. Robin West, a Pittsburgh Steelers orthopedic surgeon, said that typically, the best-case scenario to return from such a compound fracture is 6-8 months.
But she said the fact that Ware's bone broke through his skin will likely add to his recovery time.
"The blood supply gets cut off to the bone, and it's an open system," West said. "There can be a pretty significant rate of infection, and the blood supply is worse, so the healing is slower."
Wanich said it will be important to monitor Ware closely during the 24 hours after surgery because of the risk of infection and blood flow problems. Roberts said that possible complications could include slow healing of the bones or soft tissues.
"Sometimes the wound itself is so injured that over time the skin and muscle can die," he added. "The healing itself is sometimes a little delayed on account of its being an open fracture (with) high energy."
As for returning to the sport, Roberts thought Ware's prognosis was good. "There's a very high likelihood that we'll see him play again," he said.
Steve Jones, Matthew Frassica and Adam Himmelsbach write for the Louisville Courier-Journal, a Gannett partner property. PHOTOS: THE BEST PHOTOS FROM THE ELITE 8 
Louisville Cardinals guard/forward Luke Hancock gives encouragement to guard Kevin Ware as Ware is taken off the court on a stretcher in the first half against the Duke Blue Devils at Lucas Oil Stadium. Brian Spurlock, USA TODAY Sports Related story Fullscreen ![Louisville Cardinals head coach Rick Pitino gets a hug from forward Chane Behanan and guard Russ Smith after the Midwest regional final against the Duke Blue Devils at Lucas Oil Stadium.]()
Louisville Cardinals head coach Rick Pitino gets a hug from forward Chane Behanan and guard Russ Smith after the Midwest regional final against the Duke Blue Devils at Lucas Oil Stadium. Jamie Rhodes, USA TODAY Sports Related story Fullscreen ![Duke Blue Devils forward Mason Plumlee shoots against the Louisville Cardinals during the Midwest regional against the Duke Blue Devils at Lucas Oil Stadium.]()
Duke Blue Devils forward Mason Plumlee shoots against the Louisville Cardinals during the Midwest regional against the Duke Blue Devils at Lucas Oil Stadium. Jamie Rhodes, USA TODAY Sports Related story Fullscreen ![Louisville Cardinals guard Peyton Siva shoots against Duke Blue Devils forward Mason Plumlee against the Duke Blue Devils at Lucas Oil Stadium. Louisville won 85-63.]()
Louisville Cardinals guard Peyton Siva shoots against Duke Blue Devils forward Mason Plumlee against the Duke Blue Devils at Lucas Oil Stadium. Louisville won 85-63. Jamie Rhodes, USA TODAY Sports Related story Fullscreen ![Louisville Cardinals center Gorgui Dieng shoots against the Duke Blue Devils in the second half during the finals of the Midwest regional at Lucas Oil Stadium.]()
Louisville Cardinals center Gorgui Dieng shoots against the Duke Blue Devils in the second half during the finals of the Midwest regional at Lucas Oil Stadium. Brian Spurlock, USA TODAY Sports Related story Fullscreen ![Louisville Cardinals players celebrate with the Midwest regional championship trophy and the jersey of injured teammate Kevin Ware after defeating the Duke Blue Devils at Lucas Oil Stadium.]()
Louisville Cardinals players celebrate with the Midwest regional championship trophy and the jersey of injured teammate Kevin Ware after defeating the Duke Blue Devils at Lucas Oil Stadium. Brian Spurlock, USA TODAY Sports Related story Fullscreen ![Louisville Cardinals players Chane Behanan, bottom, Peyton Siva, right, and Russ Smith react after an injury suffered by teammate Kevin Ware in the first half during the finals of the Midwest regional against the Duke Blue Devils at Lucas Oil Stadium.]()
Louisville Cardinals players Chane Behanan, bottom, Peyton Siva, right, and Russ Smith react after an injury suffered by teammate Kevin Ware in the first half during the finals of the Midwest regional against the Duke Blue Devils at Lucas Oil Stadium. Brian Spurlock, USA TODAY Sports Related story Fullscreen ![Louisville Cardinals center Gorgui Dieng wrestles for a loose ball on the floor with Duke Blue Devils guard Rasheed Sulaimon in the second half during the finals of the Midwest regional at Lucas Oil Stadium.]()
Louisville Cardinals center Gorgui Dieng wrestles for a loose ball on the floor with Duke Blue Devils guard Rasheed Sulaimon in the second half during the finals of the Midwest regional at Lucas Oil Stadium. Brian Spurlock, USA TODAY Sports Related story Fullscreen ![Louisville Cardinals players Russ Smith, left, Gorgui Dieng, center, and Chane Behanan react after an injury suffered by teammate Kevin Ware in the first half during the finals of the Midwest regional against the Duke Blue Devils at Lucas Oil Stadium.]()
Louisville Cardinals players Russ Smith, left, Gorgui Dieng, center, and Chane Behanan react after an injury suffered by teammate Kevin Ware in the first half during the finals of the Midwest regional against the Duke Blue Devils at Lucas Oil Stadium. Jamie Rhodes, USA TODAY Sports Related story Fullscreen ![Louisville Cardinals guard Peyton Siva shoots against Duke Blue Devils forward Ryan Kelly in the first half during the finals of the Midwest regional at Lucas Oil Stadium.]()
Louisville Cardinals guard Peyton Siva shoots against Duke Blue Devils forward Ryan Kelly in the first half during the finals of the Midwest regional at Lucas Oil Stadium. Jamie Rhodes, USA TODAY Sports Related story Fullscreen ![Duke Blue Devils guard Seth Curry holds the ball away from Louisville Cardinals guard Russ Smith in the first half during the finals of the Midwest regional at Lucas Oil Stadium.]()
Duke Blue Devils guard Seth Curry holds the ball away from Louisville Cardinals guard Russ Smith in the first half during the finals of the Midwest regional at Lucas Oil Stadium. Jamie Rhodes, USA TODAY Sports Related story Fullscreen ![Michigan Wolverines guard Nik Stauskas (11) shoots a three-point shot against the Florida Gators during the South regional final of the 2013 NCAA Tournament at Cowboys Stadium.]()
Michigan Wolverines guard Nik Stauskas (11) shoots a three-point shot against the Florida Gators during the South regional final of the 2013 NCAA Tournament at Cowboys Stadium. Matthew Emmons, USA TODAY Sports Related story Fullscreen ![Michigan Wolverines forward Mitch McGary (4) blocks the shot of Florida Gators forward Will Yeguete (15) in the first half during the South regional final of the 2013 NCAA Tournament at Cowboys Stadium.]()
Michigan Wolverines forward Mitch McGary (4) blocks the shot of Florida Gators forward Will Yeguete (15) in the first half during the South regional final of the 2013 NCAA Tournament at Cowboys Stadium. Matthew Emmons, USA TODAY Sports Related story Fullscreen ![Michigan Wolverines guard Corey Person (32) celebrates as his team defeats the Florida Gators 79-59 to advance to the Final Four during the South regional final of the 2013 NCAA Tournament at Cowboys Stadium.]()
Michigan Wolverines guard Corey Person (32) celebrates as his team defeats the Florida Gators 79-59 to advance to the Final Four during the South regional final of the 2013 NCAA Tournament at Cowboys Stadium. Kevin Jairaj, USA TODAY Sports USA TODAY Sports Related story Fullscreen ![Michigan Wolverines guard Tim Hardaway Jr. (10) celebrates in the first half against the Florida Gators during the South regional final of the 2013 NCAA Tournament at Cowboys Stadium.]()
Michigan Wolverines guard Tim Hardaway Jr. (10) celebrates in the first half against the Florida Gators during the South regional final of the 2013 NCAA Tournament at Cowboys Stadium. Kevin Jairaj, USA TODAY Sports Related story Fullscreen ![Michigan Wolverines guard Tim Hardaway Jr. (10) starts the fast break defended by Florida Gators center Patric Young (4) in the second half during the South regional final of the 2013 NCAA Tournament at Cowboys Stadium. Michigan defeated Florida 79-59.]()
Michigan Wolverines guard Tim Hardaway Jr. (10) starts the fast break defended by Florida Gators center Patric Young (4) in the second half during the South regional final of the 2013 NCAA Tournament at Cowboys Stadium. Michigan defeated Florida 79-59. Matthew Emmons, USA TODAY Sports Related story Fullscreen ![Michigan Wolverines forward Mitch McGary (4), Nik Stauskas (11) and the bench celebrate as they defeat the Florida Gators 79-59 to advance to the Final Four during the South regional final of the 2013 NCAA Tournament at Cowboys Stadium.]()
Michigan Wolverines forward Mitch McGary (4), Nik Stauskas (11) and the bench celebrate as they defeat the Florida Gators 79-59 to advance to the Final Four during the South regional final of the 2013 NCAA Tournament at Cowboys Stadium. Matthew Emmons, USA TODAY Sports Related story Fullscreen ![Michigan Wolverines forward Jordan Morgan (52) tries to tip the ball loose from Florida Gators guard Scottie Wilbekin (5) during the second half of the South regional final game in the 2013 NCAA Tournament at Cowboys Stadium.]()
Michigan Wolverines forward Jordan Morgan (52) tries to tip the ball loose from Florida Gators guard Scottie Wilbekin (5) during the second half of the South regional final game in the 2013 NCAA Tournament at Cowboys Stadium. Kevin Jairaj, USA TODAY Sports Related story Fullscreen ![Florida Gators guard Casey Prather (24) dunks the ball between Michigan Wolverines forward Mitch McGary (4) and Glenn Robinson III (1) in the first half of the South regional final of the 2013 NCAA Tournament at Cowboys Stadium.]()
Florida Gators guard Casey Prather (24) dunks the ball between Michigan Wolverines forward Mitch McGary (4) and Glenn Robinson III (1) in the first half of the South regional final of the 2013 NCAA Tournament at Cowboys Stadium. Matthew Emmons, USA TODAY Sports Related story Fullscreen ![Wichita State head coach Gregg Marshall celebrates cutting down the net after beating Ohio State 70-66 in the West Regional final to advance to the Final Four.]()
Wichita State head coach Gregg Marshall celebrates cutting down the net after beating Ohio State 70-66 in the West Regional final to advance to the Final Four. Robert Hanashiro, USA TODAY Related story Fullscreen ![Wichita State's Carl Hall, left, celebrates winning the West Regional final 70-66 over Ohio State.]()
Wichita State's Carl Hall, left, celebrates winning the West Regional final 70-66 over Ohio State. Richard Mackson, USA TODAY Sports Related story Fullscreen ![Wichita State head coach Gregg Marshall hoists the West Regional trophy after the Shockers topped second-seeded Ohio State 70-66 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles.]()
Wichita State head coach Gregg Marshall hoists the West Regional trophy after the Shockers topped second-seeded Ohio State 70-66 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles. Jayne Kamin-Oncea, USA TODAY Sports Related story Fullscreen ![Wichita State players celebrate after topping Ohio State 70-66 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles to advance to the Final Four.]()
Wichita State players celebrate after topping Ohio State 70-66 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles to advance to the Final Four. Jayne Kamin-Oncea, USA TODAY Sports Related story
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Kevin Ware's leg surgery is successful, Louisville says
Louisville guard Kevin Ware (bottom) is checked on by guard/forward Luke Hancock (right) after an injury in the first half during the finals of the NCAA Midwest Region final at Lucas Oil Stadium. (Photo: Jamie Rhodes, USA TODAY Sports) Story Highlights - Kevin Ware had successful surgery Sunday night
- Ware had his bone re-set, a rod inserted and his wound closed
- Ware hopes to rejoin his team in Atlanta to support them in the Final Four
University of Louisville basketball player Kevin Ware underwent successful surgery Sunday night to repair the gruesome open fracture of his right tibia he suffered during the Cardinals' 85-63 win over Duke in the Midwest Regional final, and he is expected to remain in Indianapolis until at least Tuesday, U of L announced.
Ware had the bone reset, and a rod was inserted into leg during the operation that lasted about two hours. The wound caused by the bone puncturing through his skin in his lower leg was closed.
U of L's late-night release said no timetable for recovery has been set, but the early prognosis from U of L sports medicine director Fred Hina - given right after the game while Ware was in surgery - was that Ware is bound for a lengthy recovery, but the injury is not likely a career-ending one.
LOPRESTI: Injury evokes serious emotion TWITTER RESPONSES: Outpouring of support
NCAA TOURNAMENT: Updated bracket
Hina was part of the team that stabilized Ware's injury on the court as he was removed on a stretcher.
"It's an injury that needs to be dealt with in a swift fashion due to the fact that it was open, and there are infection concerns, and then obviously you need to stabilize that fracture," he said. "One thing you have to establish is, is there circulation below the fracture. Did he disrupt any arteries or veins? Once we establish that, it's stabilizing the fracture as tight as we can so that it doesn't move."
Ware is hopeful he can return to Louisville after Tuesday, then join the Cardinals as they advance to the Final Four in Atlanta, his hometown.
U of L's team physician traveled with Ware in the ambulance to the hospital after the injury, and Hina and Ware's girlfriend, who was at the game, have been in contact with Ware's mother, who lives in Atlanta.
Ware's mother planned to travel to see him soon, Hina said.
Hina said Ware's recovery time would be based on the nature of the hardware that was inserted in his leg.
"Because it was a weight-bearing bone and it was such a difficult injury, it will take a while," Hina said. "But he will play again."
Hina likened the injury to the season-ending fracture suffered by former U of L running back Michael Bush in the 2006 season.
Bush recovered to be chosen in the next year's NFL draft and currently plays for the Chicago Bears.
"Once I spoke to the trainer at halftime and he told me it's Michael Bush's injury," U of L coach Rick Pitino said. "He said it's going to take some time coach, but he'll be fine. Once I knew that then I could regroup and just get them refocused. ... He's going to be fine. Now if this was a career-ending injury? (But) we all know how good Michael Bush is right now, and it's a Michael Bush injury."
Hina said he's seen similar severe fractures, but there's no getting used to seeing injuries so gruesome.
"It never gets more palatable," he said.
Bush posted on Twitter that he cried after seeing Ware's injury.
"I feel so bad," he wrote. "Flashback of myself."
Dr. Craig Roberts, chairman of U of L's department of orthopedic surgery, was coming out of an operation when he caught the replay of Ware's injury on TV.
"It was very dramatic, very deformed," Roberts said. "I hate to use the word grisly, but it brought me back to Joe Theismann," he said, referring to the professional football player whose compound fracture in 1985 ended his career.
An open fracture could have been caused simply by the amount of force and the angle at which Ware landed after leaping to challenge a Duke shot, Roberts said.
"It looks like what we call a bending fracture—like snapping a pencil with your finger," he said. "There was a significant amount of force, and the angle looked about right."
Roberts said open fractures of this sort would be treated by intravenous antibiotics and surgery to implant a metal rod within eight hours of the injury. He added that Methodist Hospital "has a very strong group of orthopedic surgeons"
Dr. Tony Wanich, an orthopedic surgeon who specializes in sports medicine at Montefiore Medical Center in New York, said Ware's injury was extremely unusual given the circumstance, and that such severe fractures are usually seen in car crashes.
In such an injury, Roberts said that in the "best-case scenario," a patient would begin to show signs of healing within 8-12 weeks. "With…physical therapy, top-notch rehab, he may actually be doing quite well by three months or so," he said. "From there, it's a matter of muscle rehabilitation, strengthening, sport-specific rehab."
Dr. Robin West, a Pittsburgh Steelers orthopedic surgeon, said that typically, the best-case scenario to return from such a compound fracture is 6-8 months.
But she said the fact that Ware's bone broke through his skin will likely add to his recovery time.
"The blood supply gets cut off to the bone, and it's an open system," West said. "There can be a pretty significant rate of infection, and the blood supply is worse, so the healing is slower."
Wanich said it will be important to monitor Ware closely during the 24 hours after surgery because of the risk of infection and blood flow problems. Roberts said that possible complications could include slow healing of the bones or soft tissues.
"Sometimes the wound itself is so injured that over time the skin and muscle can die," he added. "The healing itself is sometimes a little delayed on account of its being an open fracture (with) high energy."
As for returning to the sport, Roberts thought Ware's prognosis was good. "There's a very high likelihood that we'll see him play again," he said.
Steve Jones, Matthew Frassica and Adam Himmelsbach write for the Louisville Courier-Journal, a Gannett partner property. PHOTOS: THE BEST PHOTOS FROM THE ELITE 8 Louisville Cardinals guard/forward Luke Hancock gives encouragement to guard Kevin Ware as Ware is taken off the court on a stretcher in the first half against the Duke Blue Devils at Lucas Oil Stadium. Brian Spurlock, USA TODAY Sports Related story Fullscreen ![Louisville Cardinals head coach Rick Pitino gets a hug from forward Chane Behanan and guard Russ Smith after the Midwest regional final against the Duke Blue Devils at Lucas Oil Stadium.]()
Louisville Cardinals head coach Rick Pitino gets a hug from forward Chane Behanan and guard Russ Smith after the Midwest regional final against the Duke Blue Devils at Lucas Oil Stadium. Jamie Rhodes, USA TODAY Sports Related story Fullscreen ![Duke Blue Devils forward Mason Plumlee shoots against the Louisville Cardinals during the Midwest regional against the Duke Blue Devils at Lucas Oil Stadium.]()
Duke Blue Devils forward Mason Plumlee shoots against the Louisville Cardinals during the Midwest regional against the Duke Blue Devils at Lucas Oil Stadium. Jamie Rhodes, USA TODAY Sports Related story Fullscreen ![Louisville Cardinals guard Peyton Siva shoots against Duke Blue Devils forward Mason Plumlee against the Duke Blue Devils at Lucas Oil Stadium. Louisville won 85-63.]()
Louisville Cardinals guard Peyton Siva shoots against Duke Blue Devils forward Mason Plumlee against the Duke Blue Devils at Lucas Oil Stadium. Louisville won 85-63. Jamie Rhodes, USA TODAY Sports Related story Fullscreen ![Louisville Cardinals center Gorgui Dieng shoots against the Duke Blue Devils in the second half during the finals of the Midwest regional at Lucas Oil Stadium.]()
Louisville Cardinals center Gorgui Dieng shoots against the Duke Blue Devils in the second half during the finals of the Midwest regional at Lucas Oil Stadium. Brian Spurlock, USA TODAY Sports Related story Fullscreen ![Louisville Cardinals players celebrate with the Midwest regional championship trophy and the jersey of injured teammate Kevin Ware after defeating the Duke Blue Devils at Lucas Oil Stadium.]()
Louisville Cardinals players celebrate with the Midwest regional championship trophy and the jersey of injured teammate Kevin Ware after defeating the Duke Blue Devils at Lucas Oil Stadium. Brian Spurlock, USA TODAY Sports Related story Fullscreen ![Louisville Cardinals players Chane Behanan, bottom, Peyton Siva, right, and Russ Smith react after an injury suffered by teammate Kevin Ware in the first half during the finals of the Midwest regional against the Duke Blue Devils at Lucas Oil Stadium.]()
Louisville Cardinals players Chane Behanan, bottom, Peyton Siva, right, and Russ Smith react after an injury suffered by teammate Kevin Ware in the first half during the finals of the Midwest regional against the Duke Blue Devils at Lucas Oil Stadium. Brian Spurlock, USA TODAY Sports Related story Fullscreen ![Louisville Cardinals center Gorgui Dieng wrestles for a loose ball on the floor with Duke Blue Devils guard Rasheed Sulaimon in the second half during the finals of the Midwest regional at Lucas Oil Stadium.]()
Louisville Cardinals center Gorgui Dieng wrestles for a loose ball on the floor with Duke Blue Devils guard Rasheed Sulaimon in the second half during the finals of the Midwest regional at Lucas Oil Stadium. Brian Spurlock, USA TODAY Sports Related story Fullscreen ![Louisville Cardinals players Russ Smith, left, Gorgui Dieng, center, and Chane Behanan react after an injury suffered by teammate Kevin Ware in the first half during the finals of the Midwest regional against the Duke Blue Devils at Lucas Oil Stadium.]()
Louisville Cardinals players Russ Smith, left, Gorgui Dieng, center, and Chane Behanan react after an injury suffered by teammate Kevin Ware in the first half during the finals of the Midwest regional against the Duke Blue Devils at Lucas Oil Stadium. Jamie Rhodes, USA TODAY Sports Related story Fullscreen ![Louisville Cardinals guard Peyton Siva shoots against Duke Blue Devils forward Ryan Kelly in the first half during the finals of the Midwest regional at Lucas Oil Stadium.]()
Louisville Cardinals guard Peyton Siva shoots against Duke Blue Devils forward Ryan Kelly in the first half during the finals of the Midwest regional at Lucas Oil Stadium. Jamie Rhodes, USA TODAY Sports Related story Fullscreen ![Duke Blue Devils guard Seth Curry holds the ball away from Louisville Cardinals guard Russ Smith in the first half during the finals of the Midwest regional at Lucas Oil Stadium.]()
Duke Blue Devils guard Seth Curry holds the ball away from Louisville Cardinals guard Russ Smith in the first half during the finals of the Midwest regional at Lucas Oil Stadium. Jamie Rhodes, USA TODAY Sports Related story Fullscreen ![Michigan Wolverines guard Nik Stauskas (11) shoots a three-point shot against the Florida Gators during the South regional final of the 2013 NCAA Tournament at Cowboys Stadium.]()
Michigan Wolverines guard Nik Stauskas (11) shoots a three-point shot against the Florida Gators during the South regional final of the 2013 NCAA Tournament at Cowboys Stadium. Matthew Emmons, USA TODAY Sports Related story Fullscreen ![Michigan Wolverines forward Mitch McGary (4) blocks the shot of Florida Gators forward Will Yeguete (15) in the first half during the South regional final of the 2013 NCAA Tournament at Cowboys Stadium.]()
Michigan Wolverines forward Mitch McGary (4) blocks the shot of Florida Gators forward Will Yeguete (15) in the first half during the South regional final of the 2013 NCAA Tournament at Cowboys Stadium. Matthew Emmons, USA TODAY Sports Related story Fullscreen ![Michigan Wolverines guard Corey Person (32) celebrates as his team defeats the Florida Gators 79-59 to advance to the Final Four during the South regional final of the 2013 NCAA Tournament at Cowboys Stadium.]()
Michigan Wolverines guard Corey Person (32) celebrates as his team defeats the Florida Gators 79-59 to advance to the Final Four during the South regional final of the 2013 NCAA Tournament at Cowboys Stadium. Kevin Jairaj, USA TODAY Sports USA TODAY Sports Related story Fullscreen ![Michigan Wolverines guard Tim Hardaway Jr. (10) celebrates in the first half against the Florida Gators during the South regional final of the 2013 NCAA Tournament at Cowboys Stadium.]()
Michigan Wolverines guard Tim Hardaway Jr. (10) celebrates in the first half against the Florida Gators during the South regional final of the 2013 NCAA Tournament at Cowboys Stadium. Kevin Jairaj, USA TODAY Sports Related story Fullscreen ![Michigan Wolverines guard Tim Hardaway Jr. (10) starts the fast break defended by Florida Gators center Patric Young (4) in the second half during the South regional final of the 2013 NCAA Tournament at Cowboys Stadium. Michigan defeated Florida 79-59.]()
Michigan Wolverines guard Tim Hardaway Jr. (10) starts the fast break defended by Florida Gators center Patric Young (4) in the second half during the South regional final of the 2013 NCAA Tournament at Cowboys Stadium. Michigan defeated Florida 79-59. Matthew Emmons, USA TODAY Sports Related story Fullscreen ![Michigan Wolverines forward Mitch McGary (4), Nik Stauskas (11) and the bench celebrate as they defeat the Florida Gators 79-59 to advance to the Final Four during the South regional final of the 2013 NCAA Tournament at Cowboys Stadium.]()
Michigan Wolverines forward Mitch McGary (4), Nik Stauskas (11) and the bench celebrate as they defeat the Florida Gators 79-59 to advance to the Final Four during the South regional final of the 2013 NCAA Tournament at Cowboys Stadium. Matthew Emmons, USA TODAY Sports Related story Fullscreen ![Michigan Wolverines forward Jordan Morgan (52) tries to tip the ball loose from Florida Gators guard Scottie Wilbekin (5) during the second half of the South regional final game in the 2013 NCAA Tournament at Cowboys Stadium.]()
Michigan Wolverines forward Jordan Morgan (52) tries to tip the ball loose from Florida Gators guard Scottie Wilbekin (5) during the second half of the South regional final game in the 2013 NCAA Tournament at Cowboys Stadium. Kevin Jairaj, USA TODAY Sports Related story Fullscreen ![Florida Gators guard Casey Prather (24) dunks the ball between Michigan Wolverines forward Mitch McGary (4) and Glenn Robinson III (1) in the first half of the South regional final of the 2013 NCAA Tournament at Cowboys Stadium.]()
Florida Gators guard Casey Prather (24) dunks the ball between Michigan Wolverines forward Mitch McGary (4) and Glenn Robinson III (1) in the first half of the South regional final of the 2013 NCAA Tournament at Cowboys Stadium. Matthew Emmons, USA TODAY Sports Related story Fullscreen ![Wichita State head coach Gregg Marshall celebrates cutting down the net after beating Ohio State 70-66 in the West Regional final to advance to the Final Four.]()
Wichita State head coach Gregg Marshall celebrates cutting down the net after beating Ohio State 70-66 in the West Regional final to advance to the Final Four. Robert Hanashiro, USA TODAY Related story Fullscreen ![Wichita State's Carl Hall, left, celebrates winning the West Regional final 70-66 over Ohio State.]()
Wichita State's Carl Hall, left, celebrates winning the West Regional final 70-66 over Ohio State. Richard Mackson, USA TODAY Sports Related story Fullscreen ![Wichita State head coach Gregg Marshall hoists the West Regional trophy after the Shockers topped second-seeded Ohio State 70-66 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles.]()
Wichita State head coach Gregg Marshall hoists the West Regional trophy after the Shockers topped second-seeded Ohio State 70-66 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles. Jayne Kamin-Oncea, USA TODAY Sports Related story Fullscreen ![Wichita State players celebrate after topping Ohio State 70-66 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles to advance to the Final Four.]()
Wichita State players celebrate after topping Ohio State 70-66 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles to advance to the Final Four. Jayne Kamin-Oncea, USA TODAY Sports Related story
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Kevin Ware's leg surgery is successful, Louisville says
Louisville guard Kevin Ware (bottom) is checked on by guard/forward Luke Hancock (right) after an injury in the first half during the finals of the NCAA Midwest Region final at Lucas Oil Stadium. (Photo: Jamie Rhodes, USA TODAY Sports)
Story Highlights
- Kevin Ware had successful surgery Sunday night
- Ware had his bone re-set, a rod inserted and his wound closed
- Ware hopes to rejoin his team in Atlanta to support them in the Final Four
University of Louisville basketball player Kevin Ware underwent successful surgery Sunday night to repair the gruesome open fracture of his right tibia he suffered during the Cardinals' 85-63 win over Duke in the Midwest Regional final, and he is expected to remain in Indianapolis until at least Tuesday, U of L announced.
Ware had the bone reset, and a rod was inserted into leg during the operation that lasted about two hours. The wound caused by the bone puncturing through his skin in his lower leg was closed.
U of L's late-night release said no timetable for recovery has been set, but the early prognosis from U of L sports medicine director Fred Hina - given right after the game while Ware was in surgery - was that Ware is bound for a lengthy recovery, but the injury is not likely a career-ending one.
LOPRESTI: Injury evokes serious emotion
TWITTER RESPONSES: Outpouring of support
NCAA TOURNAMENT: Updated bracket
Hina was part of the team that stabilized Ware's injury on the court as he was removed on a stretcher.
"It's an injury that needs to be dealt with in a swift fashion due to the fact that it was open, and there are infection concerns, and then obviously you need to stabilize that fracture," he said. "One thing you have to establish is, is there circulation below the fracture. Did he disrupt any arteries or veins? Once we establish that, it's stabilizing the fracture as tight as we can so that it doesn't move."
Ware is hopeful he can return to Louisville after Tuesday, then join the Cardinals as they advance to the Final Four in Atlanta, his hometown.
U of L's team physician traveled with Ware in the ambulance to the hospital after the injury, and Hina and Ware's girlfriend, who was at the game, have been in contact with Ware's mother, who lives in Atlanta.
Ware's mother planned to travel to see him soon, Hina said.
Hina said Ware's recovery time would be based on the nature of the hardware that was inserted in his leg.
"Because it was a weight-bearing bone and it was such a difficult injury, it will take a while," Hina said. "But he will play again."
Hina likened the injury to the season-ending fracture suffered by former U of L running back Michael Bush in the 2006 season.
Bush recovered to be chosen in the next year's NFL draft and currently plays for the Chicago Bears.
"Once I spoke to the trainer at halftime and he told me it's Michael Bush's injury," U of L coach Rick Pitino said. "He said it's going to take some time coach, but he'll be fine. Once I knew that then I could regroup and just get them refocused. ... He's going to be fine. Now if this was a career-ending injury? (But) we all know how good Michael Bush is right now, and it's a Michael Bush injury."
Hina said he's seen similar severe fractures, but there's no getting used to seeing injuries so gruesome.
"It never gets more palatable," he said.
Bush posted on Twitter that he cried after seeing Ware's injury.
"I feel so bad," he wrote. "Flashback of myself."
Dr. Craig Roberts, chairman of U of L's department of orthopedic surgery, was coming out of an operation when he caught the replay of Ware's injury on TV.
"It was very dramatic, very deformed," Roberts said. "I hate to use the word grisly, but it brought me back to Joe Theismann," he said, referring to the professional football player whose compound fracture in 1985 ended his career.
An open fracture could have been caused simply by the amount of force and the angle at which Ware landed after leaping to challenge a Duke shot, Roberts said.
"It looks like what we call a bending fracture—like snapping a pencil with your finger," he said. "There was a significant amount of force, and the angle looked about right."
Roberts said open fractures of this sort would be treated by intravenous antibiotics and surgery to implant a metal rod within eight hours of the injury. He added that Methodist Hospital "has a very strong group of orthopedic surgeons"
Dr. Tony Wanich, an orthopedic surgeon who specializes in sports medicine at Montefiore Medical Center in New York, said Ware's injury was extremely unusual given the circumstance, and that such severe fractures are usually seen in car crashes.
In such an injury, Roberts said that in the "best-case scenario," a patient would begin to show signs of healing within 8-12 weeks. "With…physical therapy, top-notch rehab, he may actually be doing quite well by three months or so," he said. "From there, it's a matter of muscle rehabilitation, strengthening, sport-specific rehab."
Dr. Robin West, a Pittsburgh Steelers orthopedic surgeon, said that typically, the best-case scenario to return from such a compound fracture is 6-8 months.
But she said the fact that Ware's bone broke through his skin will likely add to his recovery time.
"The blood supply gets cut off to the bone, and it's an open system," West said. "There can be a pretty significant rate of infection, and the blood supply is worse, so the healing is slower."
Wanich said it will be important to monitor Ware closely during the 24 hours after surgery because of the risk of infection and blood flow problems. Roberts said that possible complications could include slow healing of the bones or soft tissues.
"Sometimes the wound itself is so injured that over time the skin and muscle can die," he added. "The healing itself is sometimes a little delayed on account of its being an open fracture (with) high energy."
As for returning to the sport, Roberts thought Ware's prognosis was good. "There's a very high likelihood that we'll see him play again," he said.
Steve Jones, Matthew Frassica and Adam Himmelsbach write for the Louisville Courier-Journal, a Gannett partner property.
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Louisville Cardinals guard/forward Luke Hancock gives encouragement to guard Kevin Ware as Ware is taken off the court on a stretcher in the first half against the Duke Blue Devils at Lucas Oil Stadium. Brian Spurlock, USA TODAY SportsRelated story Fullscreen![Louisville Cardinals head coach Rick Pitino gets a hug from forward Chane Behanan and guard Russ Smith after the Midwest regional final against the Duke Blue Devils at Lucas Oil Stadium.]()
Louisville Cardinals head coach Rick Pitino gets a hug from forward Chane Behanan and guard Russ Smith after the Midwest regional final against the Duke Blue Devils at Lucas Oil Stadium. Jamie Rhodes, USA TODAY SportsRelated story Fullscreen![Duke Blue Devils forward Mason Plumlee shoots against the Louisville Cardinals during the Midwest regional against the Duke Blue Devils at Lucas Oil Stadium.]()
Duke Blue Devils forward Mason Plumlee shoots against the Louisville Cardinals during the Midwest regional against the Duke Blue Devils at Lucas Oil Stadium. Jamie Rhodes, USA TODAY SportsRelated story Fullscreen![Louisville Cardinals guard Peyton Siva shoots against Duke Blue Devils forward Mason Plumlee against the Duke Blue Devils at Lucas Oil Stadium. Louisville won 85-63.]()
Louisville Cardinals guard Peyton Siva shoots against Duke Blue Devils forward Mason Plumlee against the Duke Blue Devils at Lucas Oil Stadium. Louisville won 85-63. Jamie Rhodes, USA TODAY SportsRelated story Fullscreen![Louisville Cardinals center Gorgui Dieng shoots against the Duke Blue Devils in the second half during the finals of the Midwest regional at Lucas Oil Stadium.]()
Louisville Cardinals center Gorgui Dieng shoots against the Duke Blue Devils in the second half during the finals of the Midwest regional at Lucas Oil Stadium. Brian Spurlock, USA TODAY SportsRelated story Fullscreen![Louisville Cardinals players celebrate with the Midwest regional championship trophy and the jersey of injured teammate Kevin Ware after defeating the Duke Blue Devils at Lucas Oil Stadium.]()
Louisville Cardinals players celebrate with the Midwest regional championship trophy and the jersey of injured teammate Kevin Ware after defeating the Duke Blue Devils at Lucas Oil Stadium. Brian Spurlock, USA TODAY SportsRelated story Fullscreen![Louisville Cardinals players Chane Behanan, bottom, Peyton Siva, right, and Russ Smith react after an injury suffered by teammate Kevin Ware in the first half during the finals of the Midwest regional against the Duke Blue Devils at Lucas Oil Stadium.]()
Louisville Cardinals players Chane Behanan, bottom, Peyton Siva, right, and Russ Smith react after an injury suffered by teammate Kevin Ware in the first half during the finals of the Midwest regional against the Duke Blue Devils at Lucas Oil Stadium. Brian Spurlock, USA TODAY SportsRelated story Fullscreen![Louisville Cardinals center Gorgui Dieng wrestles for a loose ball on the floor with Duke Blue Devils guard Rasheed Sulaimon in the second half during the finals of the Midwest regional at Lucas Oil Stadium.]()
Louisville Cardinals center Gorgui Dieng wrestles for a loose ball on the floor with Duke Blue Devils guard Rasheed Sulaimon in the second half during the finals of the Midwest regional at Lucas Oil Stadium. Brian Spurlock, USA TODAY SportsRelated story Fullscreen![Louisville Cardinals players Russ Smith, left, Gorgui Dieng, center, and Chane Behanan react after an injury suffered by teammate Kevin Ware in the first half during the finals of the Midwest regional against the Duke Blue Devils at Lucas Oil Stadium.]()
Louisville Cardinals players Russ Smith, left, Gorgui Dieng, center, and Chane Behanan react after an injury suffered by teammate Kevin Ware in the first half during the finals of the Midwest regional against the Duke Blue Devils at Lucas Oil Stadium. Jamie Rhodes, USA TODAY SportsRelated story Fullscreen![Louisville Cardinals guard Peyton Siva shoots against Duke Blue Devils forward Ryan Kelly in the first half during the finals of the Midwest regional at Lucas Oil Stadium.]()
Louisville Cardinals guard Peyton Siva shoots against Duke Blue Devils forward Ryan Kelly in the first half during the finals of the Midwest regional at Lucas Oil Stadium. Jamie Rhodes, USA TODAY SportsRelated story Fullscreen![Duke Blue Devils guard Seth Curry holds the ball away from Louisville Cardinals guard Russ Smith in the first half during the finals of the Midwest regional at Lucas Oil Stadium.]()
Duke Blue Devils guard Seth Curry holds the ball away from Louisville Cardinals guard Russ Smith in the first half during the finals of the Midwest regional at Lucas Oil Stadium. Jamie Rhodes, USA TODAY SportsRelated story Fullscreen![Michigan Wolverines guard Nik Stauskas (11) shoots a three-point shot against the Florida Gators during the South regional final of the 2013 NCAA Tournament at Cowboys Stadium.]()
Michigan Wolverines guard Nik Stauskas (11) shoots a three-point shot against the Florida Gators during the South regional final of the 2013 NCAA Tournament at Cowboys Stadium. Matthew Emmons, USA TODAY SportsRelated story Fullscreen![Michigan Wolverines forward Mitch McGary (4) blocks the shot of Florida Gators forward Will Yeguete (15) in the first half during the South regional final of the 2013 NCAA Tournament at Cowboys Stadium.]()
Michigan Wolverines forward Mitch McGary (4) blocks the shot of Florida Gators forward Will Yeguete (15) in the first half during the South regional final of the 2013 NCAA Tournament at Cowboys Stadium. Matthew Emmons, USA TODAY SportsRelated story Fullscreen![Michigan Wolverines guard Corey Person (32) celebrates as his team defeats the Florida Gators 79-59 to advance to the Final Four during the South regional final of the 2013 NCAA Tournament at Cowboys Stadium.]()
Michigan Wolverines guard Corey Person (32) celebrates as his team defeats the Florida Gators 79-59 to advance to the Final Four during the South regional final of the 2013 NCAA Tournament at Cowboys Stadium. Kevin Jairaj, USA TODAY Sports USA TODAY SportsRelated story Fullscreen![Michigan Wolverines guard Tim Hardaway Jr. (10) celebrates in the first half against the Florida Gators during the South regional final of the 2013 NCAA Tournament at Cowboys Stadium.]()
Michigan Wolverines guard Tim Hardaway Jr. (10) celebrates in the first half against the Florida Gators during the South regional final of the 2013 NCAA Tournament at Cowboys Stadium. Kevin Jairaj, USA TODAY SportsRelated story Fullscreen![Michigan Wolverines guard Tim Hardaway Jr. (10) starts the fast break defended by Florida Gators center Patric Young (4) in the second half during the South regional final of the 2013 NCAA Tournament at Cowboys Stadium. Michigan defeated Florida 79-59.]()
Michigan Wolverines guard Tim Hardaway Jr. (10) starts the fast break defended by Florida Gators center Patric Young (4) in the second half during the South regional final of the 2013 NCAA Tournament at Cowboys Stadium. Michigan defeated Florida 79-59. Matthew Emmons, USA TODAY SportsRelated story Fullscreen![Michigan Wolverines forward Mitch McGary (4), Nik Stauskas (11) and the bench celebrate as they defeat the Florida Gators 79-59 to advance to the Final Four during the South regional final of the 2013 NCAA Tournament at Cowboys Stadium.]()
Michigan Wolverines forward Mitch McGary (4), Nik Stauskas (11) and the bench celebrate as they defeat the Florida Gators 79-59 to advance to the Final Four during the South regional final of the 2013 NCAA Tournament at Cowboys Stadium. Matthew Emmons, USA TODAY SportsRelated story Fullscreen![Michigan Wolverines forward Jordan Morgan (52) tries to tip the ball loose from Florida Gators guard Scottie Wilbekin (5) during the second half of the South regional final game in the 2013 NCAA Tournament at Cowboys Stadium.]()
Michigan Wolverines forward Jordan Morgan (52) tries to tip the ball loose from Florida Gators guard Scottie Wilbekin (5) during the second half of the South regional final game in the 2013 NCAA Tournament at Cowboys Stadium. Kevin Jairaj, USA TODAY SportsRelated story Fullscreen![Florida Gators guard Casey Prather (24) dunks the ball between Michigan Wolverines forward Mitch McGary (4) and Glenn Robinson III (1) in the first half of the South regional final of the 2013 NCAA Tournament at Cowboys Stadium.]()
Florida Gators guard Casey Prather (24) dunks the ball between Michigan Wolverines forward Mitch McGary (4) and Glenn Robinson III (1) in the first half of the South regional final of the 2013 NCAA Tournament at Cowboys Stadium. Matthew Emmons, USA TODAY SportsRelated story Fullscreen![Wichita State head coach Gregg Marshall celebrates cutting down the net after beating Ohio State 70-66 in the West Regional final to advance to the Final Four.]()
Wichita State head coach Gregg Marshall celebrates cutting down the net after beating Ohio State 70-66 in the West Regional final to advance to the Final Four. Robert Hanashiro, USA TODAYRelated story Fullscreen![Wichita State's Carl Hall, left, celebrates winning the West Regional final 70-66 over Ohio State.]()
Wichita State's Carl Hall, left, celebrates winning the West Regional final 70-66 over Ohio State. Richard Mackson, USA TODAY SportsRelated story Fullscreen![Wichita State head coach Gregg Marshall hoists the West Regional trophy after the Shockers topped second-seeded Ohio State 70-66 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles.]()
Wichita State head coach Gregg Marshall hoists the West Regional trophy after the Shockers topped second-seeded Ohio State 70-66 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles. Jayne Kamin-Oncea, USA TODAY SportsRelated story Fullscreen![Wichita State players celebrate after topping Ohio State 70-66 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles to advance to the Final Four.]()
Wichita State players celebrate after topping Ohio State 70-66 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles to advance to the Final Four. Jayne Kamin-Oncea, USA TODAY SportsRelated story
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