Joel Embiid’s injury situation has taken a turn for the worse, and now he may be facing a radical medical procedure that could sideline him for six months to over a year. According to the Philadelphia Inquirer, doctors have presented a set of surgical options to address his lingering knee issues—options that could significantly alter the course of his career.
The Philadelphia 76ers initially hoped that Joel Embiid could manage the pain and play through the injury with routine treatments like platelet-rich plasma injections and knee drainings. However, the approach has not worked, and Embiid’s condition has only deteriorated.
Sources close to the team reveal that Embiid has grown increasingly discouraged by his lack of progress, and the possibility of an extended absence is now looming over him.
Among the medical options being considered are meniscus replacement, low-dose radiation therapy, and a drastic procedure called an osteotomy, in which doctors would break a bone in his hip to realign the joint and reduce stress on his knee. These surgeries are not only extreme but also come with long recovery timelines that could keep him off the court well into next season.
One source described these procedures as “radical” given that Embiid’s injury was initially thought to be routine. What should have been a standard rehab process has gone completely off track, leaving both the Sixers and Embiid in a difficult position.
Doctors have warned that even if Embiid undergoes one of these surgeries and returns, he would likely have long-term limitations. Given his injury history—having already dealt with multiple orbital bone fractures and navicular bone fractures—there is growing concern about how much longer his body can hold up under the demands of an NBA season.
Embiid himself hinted at the severity of his situation following a loss to the Boston Celtics. The team has been reluctant to publicly acknowledge that surgery is on the table, but reports indicate that it is now being seriously considered.
The Sixers medical staff ordered a fresh round of tests after Embiid experienced swelling and increased discomfort following his most recent game. The results of those tests could determine whether he is shut down for the rest of the season.
The Sixers are in a difficult position, currently sitting in 12th place in the Eastern Conference with a 20-36 record. With Paul George also struggling with injuries, the team has little hope of making a deep playoff run.
Some analysts have suggested that the Sixers should shut down Embiid for the remainder of the season to allow them to recover fully. Stephen A. Smith has even speculated about Embiid’s long-term future, questioning whether he may eventually consider retirement if his health does not improve.
For now, all eyes are on the Sixers’ medical team as they evaluate Embiid’s condition and decide on the best course of action. If he undergoes one of the more aggressive procedures, it could mark the beginning of a long road to recovery—one that could redefine the trajectory of his career.
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