Vitinho injury explained: how long could the Corinthians forward be out? | OneFootball

The Corinthians has a new setback for the continuation of the season. Forward Vitinho, the only reinforcement signed in the last transfer window, suffered a medial meniscus injury in his right knee, adding to the list of absences for Timão. He underwent an arthroscopy last Monday.

Vitinho felt the problem on his own during the match against Mirassol. He came on at the 17th minute of the second half and assisted the second goal for Corinthians. However, around the 39th minute, he reported a discomfort in his right knee and had to leave the field on a stretcher.

Expert Opinion

Gazeta Esportiva spoke with sports physiotherapist Vandressa Lindemann, a specialist with Sonafe Brazil (National Society of Sports Physiotherapy and Physical Activity). The professional detailed the function of the meniscus, the area affected in Vitinho's injury, and analyzed what might have happened during the incident.

“The medial meniscus is a C-shaped cartilage located between the femur and the tibia, on the inner part of the knee. It acts as a natural shock absorber, helping to absorb impact and provide stability to the joint,” explained Lindemann.

“Meniscus injuries can occur without direct contact. This usually happens when there is a twisting of the knee or abrupt movements of acceleration, deceleration, or change of direction, especially if the foot is stuck on the ground and the body rotates over it. Weakness in the thigh, glute, or leg muscles, or mobility limitations in the hip or ankle can also contribute to the meniscus tearing during such movements,” she continued.

Due to the meniscus injury, the Corinthians medical department decided to subject Vitinho to an arthroscopy, a minimally invasive surgery, to fix the problem.

“Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgery that allows diagnosing and treating meniscus injuries. It can be indicated when there is persistent pain, movement limitation, knee locking, or when conservative treatment, such as physiotherapy and muscle strengthening, does not resolve the issue,” detailed the professional.

(Photo: Rodrigo Coca/Ag. Corinthians)

When Can Vitinho Return?

Vandressa Lindemann also estimated a timeline for Vitinho's return to the field. According to the sports physiotherapist, the recovery period depends on the severity of the forward's injury.

“For partial meniscectomy, a return to activities can occur between four and eight weeks. In meniscus suturing, the recovery time usually ranges from four to six months, depending on the healing and progress of the patient,” evaluated the professional, a master in Biomedical Engineering from PUC-RS.

“In partial meniscectomy, where only the damaged part of the meniscus is removed, physiotherapy begins quickly to reduce pain and inflammation, recover range of motion, and muscle strength. In meniscus suturing, healing requires more time, with restrictions on some movements and the use of crutches for a few weeks, while physiotherapy aids in healing, strengthening, and knee mobility,” she added.

There are specific precautions athletes need to take to avoid a recurrence when returning to the field. The sports physiotherapist emphasized the importance of following processes cautiously to prevent any risk of a new injury.

“A safe return depends on the healing of the meniscus and the recovery of knee strength and mobility. In partial meniscectomy, high-performance athletes can return in about one to two months if recovery is well managed. In suturing cases, it is advisable to wait until healing is consolidated, generally between four and six months, ensuring the knee can withstand the impacts and movements typical of football without risking new injuries,” concluded Lindemann.

It is worth noting that Vitinho underwent successful surgery last Monday at the Sírio-Libanês Hospital in São Paulo (SP). The forward will rest until this Wednesday and will start recovery work with the club's physiotherapists on Thursday.

Corinthians with a Full Medical Department

Besides Vitinho, Corinthians has four other injured players. Midfielders Rodrigo Garro (grade 2 calf injury) and André Carrillo (surgery on the left ankle), defender André Ramalho (right thigh strain), and midfielder Charles (pain in the right knee) are in recovery.

Vitinho's Numbers for Corinthians

Corinthians' Situation in the Brasileirão

With the victory over Mirassol, Corinthians returned to winning after three rounds in the Brazilian Championship. Timão is in the 12th position in the standings, with 33 points, and has widened the gap from the relegation zone – they are eight points ahead of Vitória, the first team in the Z4.

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This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.