Kristaps Porzingis' presence has completely altered the outlook of the 2024 NBA Finals.
After missing over a month of action with a right calf strain, Porzingis returned in Game 1 of the Finals to impact the game on both ends of the floor. He reprised that role in Game 2 before suffering a left ankle injury that proved to be more serious than it initially appeared.
While Porzingis played through the injury to close Game 2, the Celtics announced his status for Game 3 was uncertain as he suffered a torn medial retinaculum allowing dislocation of the posterior tibialis tendon. Porzingis' injury is as rare as it is wordy and while he says he is willing to play through the injury, the decision is up to Boston's athletic training staff.
For a better understanding of Porzingis' rare injury and what it entails, The Sporting News reached out to medical expert Dr. Michael S. George of the KSF Orthopaedic Center in Houston, who explained how a torn medial retinaculum and dislocated posterior tibialis tendon would impact Boston's big man.
The following analysis from George has been edited for clarity.
MORE: Why Kristaps Porzingis' 'rare' injury spells bad news for Celtics in Finals
Expert medical analysis on Kristaps Porzingis' "rare" injury
What is Kristaps Porzingis' injury?
Porzingis suffered a left ankle injury during Game 2 of the NBA Finals. The Celtics describe the injury as a torn medial retinaculum allowing dislocation of the posterior tibialis tendon.
What is the posterior tibialis tendon?
The posterior tibialis tendon is the most superficial structure on the medial side of the ankle, just behind the prominence of the ankle called the medial malleolus. The posterior tibialis tendon is responsible for foot and ankle inversion and plantar flexion, which are the two most important motions in running and jumping.
The tendon is stabilized behind the medial malleolus by a thick band of connective tissue called the medial retinaculum, also called the flexor retinaculum.
The injury to the medial retinaculum allowed the tendon to be unstable and dislocate to the side of the medial malleolus. Dislocation of the posterior tibialis tendon causes medial-sided pain and weakness.
How rare is Kristaps Porzingis' injury?
This injury is very uncommon and there are no cases in high profile athletes to draw comparisons to. This injury would seem to be unrelated to his previous calf injury.
Can Kristaps Porzingis play through his injury?
While he may try to play through this injury, it will be very difficult for him to perform at a high level with a posterior tibialis tendon dislocation.
Medial retinaculum recovery time
This injury will most likely require surgery at some point to repair the medial retinaculum and stabilize the posterior tibialis tendon.
Given how late in the season calendar this injury has occurred, his recovery will most likely continue through the beginning of next season. Ultimately, once he has time to recover, he would be expected to make a full recovery and return to his normal form.
