saintsfan1976

When the Jets made Jonathan Vilma a first-round pick in 2004, they were aware of an abnormality in his right knee. That condition likely contributed to his season-ending injury, a renowned orthopedist said yesterday.

In high school, Vilma was diagnosed with osteochondritis dissecans (OCD), a bone defect that can cause instability and loose particles in the joint. Although Vilma and the team have refused to specify his injury, his right knee does contain loose fragments, it was confirmed.

"A person with OCD has a vulnerable spot on the knee that, from repetitive use, can break loose more easily," said Dr. Nicholas DiNubile, a Philadelphia-based orthopedic surgeon and a consultant to the 76ers. DiNubile hasn't seen Vilma's MRI exams, but he suspects there's a "sizeable defect" in the knee that may need to be repaired with micro-fracture surgery - a six-to-nine month rehab. If it were only one bone chip, DiNubile said, it could be easily removed with an arthroscopic procedure that would sideline Vilma two or three weeks.

Jets knew of Jonathan Vilma's knee injury in '04

WhoDat205

Dude, check that date on that article...it's from November 07. He's already had the Microfracture surgery.

Bobaganoosh

that is a pretty old article and its nothing that teams dont already know. Thats why i would think that whoever trades for him will do it for a conditional pick in next years draft to see how he recovers and if it affects him on the field.

BrooksMustGo

Even if his knee were flawless, Vilma still can't shed blocks. No thanks.