The Townsville McDonald’s Crocodiles injured skipper Russell Hinder has today undergone bone graft surgery to help speed up his recovery from the broken leg that has prevented him from playing all season.
After breaking his leg in a pre season game against the Gold Coast Blaze way back in September, Rusty had been working overtime on his rehabilitation and was believed to be ahead of schedule before this latest setback was discovered.
Hinder went under the knife this morning at the Townsville Mater Hospital after the club’s doctor Peter McKewan decided it was the best way to speed up his recovery.
Crocs CEO Ian Smythe sympathised with the Crocs captain who will have seven days off before returning to his rehabilitation program.
"This surgery effectively rules out Rusty for the rest of the season and everyone at the club wishes him the best in his ongoing rehabilitation. Our club doctor discovered some soft tissue between his bones that was slowing the healing process during the surgery and it was decided that a bone graft would be the most appropriate method forward," said Smythe.
"While the surgery sets his rehab back a week, the long-term results will be far better as a result. Rusty is focused on getting is leg right and he should back to full fitness within six weeks and ready to prove his fitness for the 2012/13 season."
Hinder is expected to remain hospitalised overnight and after a week off his feet will return to the Crocs club to continue his recovery. Throughout his recuperation he has been a constant presence at the club, offering advice and motivation and helping out anyway he can.
The Crocs next game is against the Adelaide 36ers, tipping off at 6:00pm this Sunday 5 February at Adelaide Arena. A delayed broadcast will be shown on One later on that night at 10:40pm.
For live stats of the game visit
The Crocs next home game is their 20th season Birthday Bash Game night against the Cairns Taipans on Friday February 17, with tip-off at 7:30pm at ‘The Swamp’.
Tickets are now on sale for the clash at the Entertainment Centre, call 4771 4000 weekdays 9am - 4:30pm or anytime online at
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