During the last few years of Kobe Bryant's career, the Lakers legend began to head overseas for evaluations on his knee. While the talent was still as high as ever for the five-time NBA champion, his health was taking a hit.
So Bryant went to see a specialist in Germany about a procedure that would help rejuvenate his knees. The move paid off, as Bryant began the treatments in 2010 and continued playing with Los Angeles until 2016.
Well, the same thing may be happening with another star — but in a different sport.
49ers running back Christian McCaffrey is reportedly heading to Germany for a health evaluation. The 2023 Offensive Player of the Year has not yet suited up for a game in 2024, as a lingering Achilles issue has forced him to the sidelines.
Now, he's going to see about getting the same treatment that Bryant got a decade ago. Here's more to know about the operation.
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Why is Christian McCaffrey going to Germany?
McCaffrey is going to Germany to visit a specialist "to consider what is wrong with his Achilles tendinitis," according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.
49ers RB Christian McCaffrey is consulting an expert in Germany about his Achilles tendonitis.@AdamSchefter pic.twitter.com/l0dWfxuRqF
— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) September 23, 2024
McCaffrey is expected to remain in Germany for a few days as he undergoes evaluation for his calf and Achilles injury.
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What is the Kobe Bryant treatment?
The treatment that Bryant sought out over a decade ago is referred to as Regenokine, also known as Orthokine. According to WebMD, it is "a type of regenerative medicine that uses your own blood to treat your joint pain."
"This serum is made from your blood," WebMD said. "It’s treated in such a way that it produces an anti-inflammatory protein called IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra). This protein may change your body’s inflammatory response and improve any damage to your cartilage."
Dr. Peter Wehling, a German orthopedist, is credited with creating the procedure, with essentially his blood being withdrawn, processed with added proteins and then injected back into the body. It is similar to platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy but has some differences.
Like Bryant did, McCaffrey is forced to go to Germany to see about the treatment because it is not yet approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). However, it is important to note that despite it not being regulated in the United States, it is not banned by sports leagues.
In addition to Bryant, other famous athletes who have done the procedure are greats such as Peyton Manning, Tiger Woods, Tracy McGrady and Fred Couples.
MORE: Explaining 49ers star Christian McCaffrey's injury and recovery timeline
How long is Christian McCaffrey out?
The 49ers placed the star running back on the IR ahead of Week 1, so he will be out through Week 4 at the earliest.
The fact that he is traveling to Germany is not a good sign that he will return as soon as possible. However, the positive part of the procedure is that there is no downtime needed after the treatment.
Expect San Francisco to provide another update on McCaffrey's future availability after its Week 4 meeting with New England following his trip to Germany.
