American ski jumper, Alissa Johnson, recently underwent surgery for a sub-scapular bursitis under the hands of Dr. Peter J. Millett. Johnson, who has been ski jumping since the age of five, competing in more than 108 Continental Cups and currently ranked in the top 10 of all female ski jumpers, experienced chronic back pain for several years. It was initially believed that she had a bulged disc, however, upon further examination by Dr. Millett, it was determined that she had a bone impingement, winged-scapula. This condition causes the scapula (the shoulder blade) to scrape and rub along the rib cage causing pain, soreness, and “cracking” sounds. While ski jumping itself did not create the pain she was feeling as a result of this condition, sitting for long periods of time when traveling to compete, did. Dr. Millett successful repaired her injured scapula and she is currently in physical therapy with hopes to begin jumping again in June.
The timing could not be more suitable. Alissa Johnson watched her younger brother compete in ski jumping in two Olympic games, and now, she’ll get her chance. She played a large role in advocating the inclusion of the sport in the 2014 Olympic Winter Games and she has high hopes to represent the United States and compete for Gold!
See full story, Alissa Johnson successfully underwent a complicated surgery last week.
