Expert explains Vitinho injury and details Corinthians striker's recovery | OneFootball

Corinthians confirmed this week that forward Vitinho suffered a meniscal injury in his left knee and underwent surgery last Wednesday (29). The procedure was recommended by knee specialist Dr. Moisés Cohen and carried out with the supervision of the club’s head of medical department, Dr. Ricardo Galotti.

The injury occurred during training last Friday (24). After tests carried out on Saturday (25), the player underwent another medical evaluation on Monday (27), when the need for surgery was confirmed. The operation was performed on Wednesday (29).

Photo: Rodrigo Coca/Agência Corinthians

Although Corinthians have not yet announced a timetable for the forward’s return, the recovery time may vary depending on the procedure used and the athlete’s response during rehabilitation. In an interview with Lance!, physiotherapist José Bassan, a specialist from the National Society of Sports and Physical Activity Physiotherapy (Sonafe Brasil), explained that recovery changes according to the surgical technique used.

“In the case of meniscal suturing, there is an initial phase of greater knee protection, with range of motion gains and weight-bearing introduced more gradually. In a meniscectomy, these movements are usually allowed more quickly. This difference affects the entire initial stage of rehabilitation.”

According to the specialist, after this initial period, the focus shifts to strengthening the athlete so that he can once again handle the demands of high-performance football.

“Football requires acceleration, deceleration, quick changes of direction, twisting on the knee, jumping, landing, and physical contact. Rehabilitation needs to prepare the athlete to withstand these loads at high intensity, reducing the risk of a new injury.”

In addition to treating the injury, Bassan explains that a professional athlete’s recovery goes far beyond the physical aspect. According to him, the entire process usually involves professionals from different areas so that the return happens as safely as possible.

“In addition to biomechanical aspects, psychological, nutritional, and physical conditioning factors also come into play. Rehabilitation then involves a multidisciplinary team to correct muscular imbalances, improve mobility, and use this period to treat other dysfunctions that often cannot be addressed during the intense competition schedule.”

The physiotherapist also stresses that it is not possible to directly link Vitinho’s situation to any possible injury history without access to the player’s clinical information.

Although it is common for time estimates to be released after surgery, the specialist says that the calendar alone does not determine when an athlete is fit to return to action.

“Time alone is the weakest criterion for determining a return. An athlete may be fit 20 days after a meniscectomy or still not be ready after 60 days. It all depends on the type of surgery, the presence of associated injuries, and, above all, the functional performance shown during rehabilitation.”

Before being cleared to return to the pitch, the player undergoes a series of physical and functional assessments.

“Today there are well-established scientific protocols. The decision involves clinical evaluations, functional tests, muscle strength analysis, jump tests, biomechanical assessment, and even psychological aspects. It is a multidisciplinary process that aims to give the athlete the greatest possible safety to return with a lower risk of recurrence.”

So far, Corinthians have not provided an estimated date for Vitinho’s return to activities. The forward will remain under the care of the club’s medical department throughout the recovery process.

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