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Checking in on Snyder’s Fractured Testicle

Jul 10, 2008, 2:10 PM UTC

You’ll certainly recall the story last month of Arizona Diamondbacks catcher Chris Snyder and his fractured testicle. That’s not the kind of thing a man forgets hearing about. Luckily for Snyder, his fracture didn’t require surgery and he seems to be healing fine (or, as fine as one can after suffering this most painful of injuries). But what about returning to the field? Surely this injury will play games with his mind, right? Let us turn to the medical experts:â†µâ†µâ‡¥But when it comes to mentally processing the pain of a testicular fracture, individual athletes may differ when it comes to how quickly they’re ready to return to the field.â†µâ‡¥â†µâ‡¥He [Dr. Michael Lardon, a San Diego-based sports psychiatrist] says bad experiences on the field of play can sometimes result in post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD. â†µâ‡¥
â†µâ‡¥â†µâ‡¥But is Snyder at risk of PTSD from his experience? Lardon said that Snyder’s status as a Major League catcher suggests he may not be. â†µâ‡¥
â†µâ‡¥â†µâ‡¥“For PTSD to occur you need to experience a stress, a trauma, outside the normal range,” he said.â†µâ‡¥

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Yep, I’d consider this to be “outside the normal range” seeing as Snyder is probably used to being hit in the arms, face, chest, legs, or anywhere else that isn’t directly into his man-bits.â†µâ†µBut you’re not getting off that easily. We require more grimacing details of a testicular injury:â†µ

â†µâ†µâ‡¥A testicular fracture is not something that is easily shaken off. In simple terms, a testicular fracture involves a “crack” in the testicle; the organ retains its shape, but it is damaged. Though different from a testicular rupture, which involves a complete hemorrhage of the testicle, a fracture in this delicate organ can be extraordinarily painful -- and may even require surgery, in many cases. â†µâ‡¥â†µâ‡¥“It is indeed extraordinarily painful,” said Dr. Mark Litwin, professor of urology and public health at the University of California at Los Angeles. Litwin adds that the natural vulnerability of testicles is “one of these anatomical curiosities med students never understand.” â†µâ‡¥
â†µâ‡¥â†µâ‡¥“The placement of ovaries makes sense. ... [Testicles] are in the worst place you could put them. They really are in harm’s way.” â†µâ‡¥
â†µâ†µYeah, thanks a lot, god. Righteous placement on that whole scrotum thing, brah. But maybe putting them in “harm’s way” was all part of the master plan. Perhaps god just loves him some explosions:â†µâ†µâ‡¥St. James was a freshman wrestler competing at a high school tournament six years ago. During one match, he was performing a single leg takedown on his opponent when he sustained a sudden and surprising injury. â†µâ‡¥â†µâ‡¥“When he fell down, his foot came up between my legs,” St. James said. “His foot exploded my testicle.” â†µâ‡¥
â†µâ‡¥â†µâ‡¥“After I walked off the mat, I fell to the ground when I felt the pain,” he recalled. “I can’t describe how much it hurt. ... It swelled up bigger than my fist.” â†µâ‡¥

â†µâ†µEnjoy your Thursday, everyone.
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â†µ(H/T: Awful Announcing)â†µ

This post originally appeared on the Sporting Blog. For more, see The Sporting Blog Archives.

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