Jonah Lomu fracture's glenoid

[Danny]

Quite a unique injury, Jonah Lomu has fractured the glenoid (scapula surface for the shoulder joint) in his left shoulder. Surgery required for for an 'Open Reduction Internal Fixation' to stablise the fracture. 4 months rehabilitation required before he can play Rubgy flat chat.

Lomu comeback on hold

Thursday, June 16, 2005
RUGBY HEAVEN

Jonah Lomu's comeback has been put on hold for at least four months as the All Blacks great undergoes surgery on a shoulder injury.

Lomu hurt his left shoulder playing in Martin Johnson's testimonial match in London on June 4, his first match in nearly two years after undergoing treatment for a debilitating kidney complaint.

On Tuesday Lomu, 30, was named in a 27-strong North Harbour squad to play Samoa on Wednesday, but scans on Tuesday revealed the extent of his problem.

"Specialists advised today that Jonah will undergo surgery on his left shoulder in the next few days, for a reduction and internal fixation of a fractured glenoid," North Harbour team doctor John Mayhew said yesterday.

"It is an unfortunate rugby accident, but we expect Jonah to make a full recovery.

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"He will need a minimum of four months recuperation and rehabilitation following the surgery."

Mayhew stressed Lomu's latest problem was in no way related to the renal problems he had had in the past.

Lomu, who has spent the last year recuperating from a kidney transplant, will not be available for North Harbour selection this season.

"Our primary concern is for Jonah," North Harbour chief executive Noel Coom said.

"We were full of admiration for him when he ran onto the field at Twickenham. While we share in his disappointment that he won't be commencing the NPC season with us this year, this does not appear to be a career threatening injury and I'm sure he will be back to play some great rugby in the future."

Lomu said he was naturally "gutted".

"I was really looking forward to the season with North Harbour and to returning to New Zealand rugby," he said.

"For me it's yet another challenge to get my head and my body around. But right now it's one step at a time - surgery and then a rehabilitation program."

Lomu received a kidney transplant in June, 2004, after being diagnosed with the debilitating nephrotic syndrome in 1996, which saw him placed on dialysis and reduced him to a shuffling walk.

He has repeatedly stated his desire to play again for the All Blacks, for whom he has scored 37 tries in 63 tests, the last in 2002.

[Danny]

Jonah's return looks doomed

By Michael Donaldson
Sunday, June 26, 2005
RUGBY HEAVEN

Question marks hang over Jonah Lomu's bid to return to top-class rugby after his kidney transplant, though fears that he has osteoporosis caused by dialysis and anti-rejection drugs have been allayed.

When Lomu broke the glenoid bone in his shoulder during his comeback game, the testimonial for Martin Johnson at Twickenham this month, there were fears the fracture was caused by osteoporosis, which is common in people who have spent a long time on dialysis, as Lomu did.

Adding to concerns that Lomu might have brittle bones, anti-rejection drugs such as prednisolone can cause weakened bones and reduce muscular strength. Lomu's physician and friend John Mayhew was concerned enough to ask for tests on Lomu's bone density during surgery to repair the shoulder.

"While in general terms it's true renal patients suffer osteoporosis, it is not true of Jonah," Mayhew said.

The surgeon who operated on Lomu said there were no signs of deterioration.


"It was a freak accident and incredibly bad luck," Mayhew said.

The operation means Lomu will be out of rugby for another four months, ending his bid to play for New Zealand team North Harbour this year.

And there are growing doubts he will make it back after that.

An Australian kidney specialist, who asked not to be named because he wasn't Lomu's physician, said Lomu's comeback was ultimately "doomed to failure".

The specialist said continued use of prednisolone can make the bones thinner and hampers any attempts at building muscular strength.

He said Lomu's efforts were a "brave attempt but he's going nowhere".

"It's amazing he's done what he has, but this dream of playing first-class rugby again is probably doomed to failure," the specialist said.

Lomu would have to deal with protein malnutrition, meaning his total body protein levels were nowhere near what they would have been before he got renal disease, the specialist added.

Protein is the building block for muscular growth.

"For some years he was probably not up to the mark and the fact he competed at the [1999] World Cup with the condition he had is quite remarkable," the doctor said. "It's quite frightening to know what he would have been like if he did not have this condition."

New Zealand Kidney Foundation head professor John Morton, a specialist in renal transplants, said anyone who had been out of top level rugby for a long period would be more injury-prone on return. Lomu's return to top physical condition was impressive, he said.

[Danny]

He's back and almost better than ever.

Future looks bright for Lomu
From correspondents in Cardiff
December 29, 2005
FOXSPORTS

CARDIFF Blues captain Rhys Williams believes there's plenty of try-scoring action to come from Jonah Lomu after the giant wing broke his duck in the 41-23 Celtic League win over Newport-Gwent.

"I think we're just going to see more and more things from Jonah each game," Williams said.

"He's just going to get better and better and the more we can give him the ball and let him try and express himself the better it will be for the team.

"He's definitely a massive influence for us and it was great to hear the crowd getting behind him," Williams told a local Welsh newspaper.

former New Zealand star Lomu touched down just after half-time against the Dragons in front of a 12,436 Arms Park crowd yesterday (AEDT) - a record attendance for the Celtic League.

It was also his first competitive try in more than three years and a landmark moment in his comeback from serious kidney illness and injury.

The 30-year-old paid tribute to those who have helped him on the road back to recovery.

"I have had really great support from people who have shown faith and trust in me," Lomu said.

"My wife, Fiona, has been a constant source of support through some tough times.

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"There's (also) great praise due to the Cardiff Blues. They have shown huge trust and faith in me by letting me play rugby again and I owe big thanks to the guys here who have helped me with my fitness.

"I've also had fantastic support from the Welsh public. I'm just feeling great at the moment.

"I'm still growing and things are coming along steadily each week."