Ngam's injury woes continue
South Africa and Eastern Province fast bowler Mfuneko Ngam has been examined by a foot and ankle orthopaedic specialist, who has diagnosed a complete fracture of the second metatarsal bone in Ngam's right foot
Bronwyn Wilkinson
05-Oct-2002
South Africa and Eastern Province fast bowler Mfuneko Ngam has been examined
by a foot and ankle orthopaedic specialist, who has diagnosed a complete
fracture of the second metatarsal bone in Ngam's right foot.
The fracture is displaced and surgery has been recommended, with an
intensive programme of physiotherapy and biokinetic strengthening exercises
following that.
Ngam felt discomfort while bowling on the second day of the SuperSport
Series match against Northerns in Port Elizabeth last weekend. On the third
day he had to limit his bowling and on the last day of the match he bowled
only five overs off a shortened run-up.
A report from the orthopaedic specialist was sent to the UCBSA today. It
notes that a stress fracture of the third metatarsal bone of Ngam's right
foot in May 2000 had healed completely following conservative treatment.
The report recommends that Ngam's lower leg should be immobilized in a cast
for six weeks following the surgery and that he should not start bowling
again until he is fully fit. According to the doctor, Ngam has a
hyperelastic syndrome and these kind of ligaments do not support the bones
of the foot and ankle well. Thus, sport specific conditioning should not
start before three months after the operation. A date for the operation has
not yet been set. Ngam will be monitored closely by the national team's
medical staff during his rehabilitation.
The National Selectors have not yet named a replacement for Ngam in the
South African squad to play Bangladesh in Benoni in the Second Standard Bank
One-Day International on Sunday.