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Cardinals | Carpenter facing career-ending injury?

Updating a previous report, Joe Strauss, of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, reports St. Louis Cardinals SP Chris Carpenter (shoulder) is suffering from a career-threatening compression and scarring of a series of nerves connected to his right shoulder, according to sources familiar with the situation. He visited with a neurosurgeon Tuesday, Sept. 23, and surgery is very possible. His situation is believed to be symptomatic of a problem that led to various nerve complications dating back to 2004, when a nerve running to his right biceps sidelined him. Carpenter underwent an MRI on his neck, which found damage to at least five nerves. He has experienced tingling in the pinkie and ring finger on his right hand while also experiencing symptoms associated with carpal tunnel syndrome. Doctors have focused on the brachial plexus, a bundle of nerves running from the spine to the neck and beneath the collarbone. Surgery would only be performed if neurosurgeons believe it will provide Carpenter with a chance for improvement. He would face a recovery time of two to three months if surgery were to be performed. The team will not make any announcements until more is known on the situation, but they are unsure about his availability for next season.

2008-09-23 14:44:52 | Source:

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