Dallas Stars’ Brad Richards Out With Broken Wrist
As the Dallas Stars fight to make the playoffs in the Western Conference, they have to deal with an unexpected setback in the form of forward Brad Richards’ broken wrist. Richards is expected to be out six to eight weeks and is hoping to be back for the playoffs, which begin April 15.
According to USA Today, Richards has a fractured right wrist that will most likely cause him to miss the rest of the regular season. The injury occurred to Richards’ top hand – instrumental for faceoffs and one-handed plays – midway through the second period in what looked like a routine hockey play against the boards.
The Stars medical staff determined that Richards will not need surgery and has put his right wrist in a cast. Fortunately for Richards, injuries like this typically won’t require surgery if the orthopedic hand surgeon who treats the patient is able to maintain the correct alignment of the broken bone with just a cast – which is most likely what occurred in this case.
In my opinion, the best thing for Richards to do in order to heal quickly is to limit use of the right hand to very light activity. If he just waits this injury out, he will most likely be able to help the Stars come mid-April.
Healthiest regards,
Dr. Pruzansky