KUALA LUMPUR: It only happens one out of 2,000 back surgeries.
That's the rarity highlighted by National Sports Institute (NSI) medical specialist Dr. Jasmiza Khuzairi Jasme, shedding light on shuttler Ng Tze Yong's recent experience with his back injury.
Tze Yong had to undergo a second back surgery last month after a cyst developed following his first procedure in February.
"After the first surgery, we initially observed positive developments. However, he later complained of discomfort in the back, and upon conducting an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) test, we found a water cyst.
"This is a very rare occurrence. According to studies, only one case occurs in 2,000 surgeries, and it happened to Tze Yong. This was something beyond our expectations," he said.
Jasmiza clarified that due to the symptoms experienced by Tze Yong, the player had to undergo a second surgery to expedite his recovery process.
"While technically unnecessary, the medical team opted for a second surgery to expedite Tze Yong's recovery process due to his status as an athlete," he said.
He added that Tze Yong may return to competitive badminton in August.
"Positive developments are evident in Tze Yong's recovery process following the second surgery. However, we are exercising caution this time and avoiding rushing his return to badminton," he said.
Tze Yong is currently undergoing rehabilitation at the NSI to rebuild his strength.
He has only competed in two tournaments this season — the Malaysia Open in January, where he first sustained a back injury, and the Asia Team Championships in February.
Due to the injury, Tze Yong failed to qualify for his first Olympic Games in Paris.