The Latest on Tiger Wood’s Injuries

Tiger Woods was seriously injured, and subsequently hospitalized in a car accident on February 23rd. The crash occurred near Ranchos Palos Verdes, California and was serious enough that Woods had to be extracted from his vehicle.

The 15-time major winner sustained major damage following a single-vehicle rollover accident, per the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.

Recently, Woods (45) completed a surgical procedure on his lower right leg and ankle at the Harbor-UCLA Medical Center.

“Mr. Woods suffered significant orthopedic injuries to his right lower extremity that were treated during emergency surgery by Orthopedic trauma specialists at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, a level 1 trauma center,” explained Dr. Anish Mahajan, the center’s chief medical officer and interim CEO.

“Comminuted open fractures affecting both the upper and lower portions of the tibia and fibula bones were stabilized by inserting a rod into the tibia. Additional injuries to the bones of the foot and ankle were stabilized with a combination of screws and pins. Trauma to the muscle and soft-tissue of the leg required surgical release of the covering of the muscles to relieve pressure due to swelling.”

Woods’ agent, Mark Steinberg, initially said his client suffered multiple leg injuries. Reports from the Los Angeles Times and ESPN indicated that Woods injured both legs. It is unknown whether additional surgeries are in his future.

(image credit – news.yahoo.com)

How significant are Tiger Woods injuries?

Woods, who was the SUV’s only occupant during the crash experienced serious but not life-threatening injuries. Paramedics who responded to the crash scene determined that Woods was not in danger of losing his life, but did recognize the potential of long term injuries to his legs. A LA County Sheriff’s Dept representative did state that Woods was “lucky to be alive” and largely credited the safety record of the Genesis SUV, and Wood’s decision to wear a seat belt.

His injuries were not determined to be life-threatening at the crash site. Woods was conscious, calm and lucid when paramedics arrived on the scene. Paramedics considered him to be in serious but stable condition with a Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department representative saying Woods was “lucky to be alive,” crediting his vehicle (a 2021 Genesis SUV) and decision to wear a seatbelt.

Woods, a 15-time major champion, had not played an official tournament since he tied for 38th at the November Masters. Woods who has had a long history of injuries throughout his career was recovering from a Dec 23rd back procedure at the time of the crash.

“Thank you to all the incredible surgeons, doctors, nurses and staff at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center and Cedars-Sinai Medical Center,” Woods said in the statement. “You have all taken such great care of me and I cannot thank you enough.

“I will be recovering at home and working on getting stronger every day.”

Woods, who many are still hoping to compete and win majors in the future, is in recovery from a subsequent lower leg procedure as a result of the crash. While surgeons have stated his surgery was a success many are still waiting to get clear updates on the state of Tiger’s golf game once he has fully recovered from this surgery. Only time will tell, but we are all hoping to see a reinvigorated Woods next time he takes to the green.