by Liz Bonis, WKRC | Click here to read the full story.

CINCINNATI (WKRC) – As opening day approaches, the Cincinnati Reds will be without one of their top arms.

Pitcher Hunter Greene recently had elbow surgery and is expected to be out until July. OrthoCincy elbow surgeons said the length of the recovery is likely tied not only to the procedure to fix bone spurs but also to the level of performance required to return to an elite level of play.

Dr. Jonathan Slaughter, an OrthoCincy elbow surgeon, said bone spurs are the body’s response to stress. “So the scientific name for bone spurs is osteophytes; it’s your body’s reaction to increased stress. It’s called Wolff’s Law, where when bones see increased stress, they actually build more bone,” Slaughter said.

Slaughter said the surgery to address osteophytes can be done through small incisions. “You stick the camera and tools through the incisions, you see the joint, you see the cartilage, you find the loose bodies and remove them, and then if there are bone spurs or osteophytes, you shave those down,” he said.

Even with a procedure that is not as complex as some other elbow problems, Slaughter said recovery requires intense therapy, especially during the first six weeks. “As he’s got the motion strength and the inflammation down at about six weeks, then he’ll start a throwing program,” Slaughter said.