Revolutionary knee surgery similar to that used in heart operations has convinced Cronulla backrower Anthony Tupou he can return to his rampaging best in 2012.
The 28-year-old underwent stem cell surgery, which regenerates the growth of cartilage in his right knee, three months ago in a bid to cure a long-term knee problem.
Tupou is one of the first top-level professional sportsmen in Australia to use the procedure, which introduces new cells into damaged tissue and has also been used for brain and spinal surgery.
The former NSW and Test star has suffered with injury throughout his Sharks career and will start the new season pain-free for the first time since joining the club from Sydney Roosters in 2009.
“Just mentally I feel a lot better and physically as well,” Tupou said.
“Not many people have had it done, they’re still trialling it, but it feels good.
“For the last two-and-a-half years it’s been not that good and this is the first year where it feels pretty fresh.”
Highly-respected Sharks’ doctor David Givney, who also works with the NSW and Australia sides, believes the surgery will help prolong the careers of players and benefit them in later life.
Although he admitted it’s too early to tell if Tupou’s operation will be a resounding success, he’s delighted with what he has seen so far.
“Stem cell recuperation of meniscus and cartilage in knees is not experimental, but it’s still very early days,” Givney told AAP.
“We put it to the club that Anthony, who was pretty much bone on bone in his knee, might benefit from this and we decided to take the chance and it’s been brilliant.
“We are overjoyed with the reaction. He’s been back running for a couple of weeks now and looks really great.”
The operation was performed by Dr Donald Kuah, who ironically works for Wests Tigers, the Sharks’ opponents in round one on Sunday.
Givney was alerted to the possibility of the operation after attending a Kuah lecture on the subject last year.
“Donald knows Anthony and felt he would be the ideal patient as he’s a quick healer in addition to being an easy going sort of individual,” he said.
“Normally with this sort of injury you get pain and just put up with it and wait until you’re 40 then get a knee replacement.
“Stem cell regeneration is the future of all sorts of medicine.”
Tupou was named in the Sharks side to face the Tigers on Tuesday and said the Paul Gallen-led pack is the best he’s ever played in.
“This is not only the best Sharks side I have every played in, but this is the strongest pack I’ve ever been a part of,” Tupou said.
“Competition for place is strong. This is the best the Sharks have looked for years.”
