Hartings' knee still a problem

[Gunzlingr]

LATROBE - Not long after training camp began, Jeff Hartings dropped a bombshell by hinting that he might retire after this season because of a chronic knee problem. At the rate he's going, he may not get through this year.

On Tuesday, Hartings, the Pittsburgh Steelers' center, missed practice again. With his surgically repaired left knee still aching, Hartings flew to Birmingham, Ala., to visit Dr. James Andrews, the noted orthopedic surgeon. Andrews operated on Hartings' knee last November.

"Jeff went through practice (Monday) and it just didn't feel right," coach Bill Cowher said. "He has yet to see Dr. Andrews since the surgery. Jeff and I talked last night. He wants to put at ease any (doubts) he has and let Dr. Andrews take a look at it.

"We will find out the results of his visit, and we will go from there."

Hartings, who returned to camp late Tuesday night, has now missed or been excused from training camp activities three times. On July 26, when all Steelers had to take part in Cowher's annual run test, Hartings was excused by Cowher as a "precautionary measure."

more (http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=9999661&BRD=2305&PAG=461&dept_id=478568&rfi=6)

[Gunzlingr]

Steelers center pays visit to orthopedic surgeon for knee examination

Steelers center Jeff Hartings has been gritting his teeth and trying to ignore the pain in his left knee since training-camp drills began July 27 at St. Vincent College.
It finally became too much for even Hartings' high pain tolerance. Reluctantly, he took his concerns to coach Bill Cowher on Tuesday, and they decided that Hartings should visit noted orthopedic surgeon Dr. James Andrews, who performed arthroscopic surgery on the knee last November.

Hartings was excused from practice while he and Steelers assistant trainer Ryan Grove traveled to Birmingham, Ala., for an examination of the knee. They were expected back on campus last night, but he has no timetable for a return to practice

http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/tribune-review/sports/steelerslive/s_149422.html

[Gunzlingr]

Steelers Notebook: Center seeks help for sore left knee

One thing the Steelers do not need is another problem in their offensive line, and they just might get it, depending on the outcome of a medical exam in Alabama yesterday on center Jeff Hartings' ailing left knee.

Hartings, their starting center the past two seasons, visited famed sports orthopedic surgeon Dr. James Andrews in Birmingham to re-examine a knee that has been sore since the start of training camp.

"We probably feel like he does right now, a little unsure," Coach Bill Cowher said.

Andrews performed arthroscopic surgery on Hartings' left knee in November, and Hartings missed a total of four games after having cartilage removed. His knee was injured in an Oct. 21 game against Indianapolis.

The less cartilage, the more bone rubs on bone in the joint, which causes pain and swelling. At that point, a player has to determine whether he wants to endure the constant pain and/or painkilling shots that becomes part of his routine.

http://www.post-gazette.com/steelers/20030813snoter0813p7.asp

[Cntrygal]

Fortunately for reporters covering the Steelers on a regular basis, center Jeff Hartings is an amiable fellow. Otherwise, he might get sick and tired of all those questions about his sore left knee and start treating some members of the local media like a blocking sled.


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