Andrews comments to L.A. Times

I'm a huge fan of Tom but this begs the question, why didn't he go to Dr. Andrews in the first place?
The fact that his doctor had to call Dr. Andrews for consultation is troubling.

I wouldnt want to be Dr ElAttrache right now: theres a lot of people's eyes on your handiwork.
Why didnt they wait longer for the MCL to heal? Seems to be at the root of this infection issue.

Hopefully these comments from a real authority will shut the mouths of the ESPN talking heads for now. Good luck Tommy, all our best in your recovery.

What a cluster! Why didn't the Patriots REQUIRE him to go to their doctor?

Tom should've got the surgery done by Dr. Andrews in the first place. I've had this surgery done by the best doctor in the north shore and i feel great and still play football. It is very important you have it done by someone who knows what their doing. Like the best Dr. Andrews, not some unknow dude from Cali! I questioned his pick right off the bat. Now he's got Cali Dude calling Dr. Andrews for advice. I like TOM but i didn't like his pick of a doctor.

I am sorry BUT I have a few questions?
When does hanging in Hollywood make you tough or fit for the NFL?
When has dating a model EVER been good for your football psychy?
When has selecting a tier two/ three knee doctor been a good thing or when have you EVER heard of a NFL MVP getting their knee reconstructed by a nip and tuck LA Doctor?
When is Brady going to snap out of it? Seems like he is burnt out and fading away from what got him to where he is.......
I think his Hall Pass should be reigned in, a lot!

I think Brady has bought a lot of slack with everything he has done for the Patriots and the fan base. With the vast resources he has (well-earned) I'm sure he made the best decision possible and he is very bright and had reasons for going in the direction he did. This infection stuff is troubling of course and who knows, it might have been due to a more cautious initial use of antibiotics in order to eliminate superbugs etc. they have their reasons. I think it is comforting that a wel-known professional like Dr. Andrews was willing to be involved and is there to comfort us who really care about Tom, his health, and also for the football prospects of the Patriots!

If anyone knew anything about the Patriots physicians, they would know that they are the best of the best anywhere around. They have all of the best resources available to them from the medical Mecca which we call Boston. Tom is a fool and clearly is not thinking correctly and about the long term consequences of his decision to have his knee done out in California. Now I couldn't say that if he had same said surgery done here in Boston that he would not have had any complications, but I can guarantee that it wouldn't have come to 4 different wash-outs afterwards. The physicians in this town are agressive in treating any infection. Besides, I think that Tom never really had his head in the game since mid-season last season. I think that his head has been between 2 coasts and not in the game. I don't blame him on that account. But I'm disappointed that he would lead a team to believe that he would do what's in the "teams best interest" and go and have surgery by Dr 90210 instead of the best Orthopods in the country...

For all you guys overreacting to this.....

This "tier two/three knee doctor" is the same guy that Dr. James Andrews calls when HE has questions. They lean on each other for help with diagnosis, etc... Just because you haven't heard of them, doesn't make them any less capable.

Who says that Brady is merely "hanging in Hollywood"? And when has dating models ever been bad for one's football psychy(sic)? Jealous?

The guy Brady chose is not unknown, he happens to be the Director of one of the foremost facilities in the World--Kerlan-Jobe clinic.

Based on the Collective Bargaining agreement, the player has the final say--the team can ask or even strongly suggest ,but in the end it is Brady's choice...

Maybe Brady chose the West Coast because that is where his family is--

Who cares who he dates...

Dan, the shine from your Super Bowl rings is blinding me.

Oh wait, it must be the reflection off your forehead, I forgot you don't have any Super Bowl rings.......LOL

Dr. Andrews said:
"Neal called me in confidence to run this problem by me to see what I thought," Andrews said by phone

YIKES, some confidence. What does that mean?

Christian said it best....Should have Andrews in the first place

Tom Brady has changed. And it's not for the better. He's not the guy just killing himself in the off-season to get that parking spot bestowed on the the most determined workout warrior. He's not the guy demanding to be played in exhibition contests because he just loves football and he knows he needs to get in game shape for Week 1. And he's not the guy who two years ago would have gone to the best Boston specialist to have a career-related surgery, rather than travel out to California to be within huddling distance of his hollywood pals. We will forever be indebted to the old Tom Brady - certainly those were three Super Bowl wins I never thought I'd see. But, all I can say to this new guy is - good luck, stranger, I hope it works out for you.

yo i agree wth MM.....NOBODY CARES DUDE......BRADY MAKES HIS OWN CHOICES JUST LIKE WE DO......N I KNOW HE WOULDNT CHOSE A 2nd TIER DOC to PERFROM SURGERY ON HIS KNEE.....THAT BASICALLY WOULD KEEP HIM FROM EVER PLAYIN AGAIN AND HE KNOWS IT HAS TO B SUCESSFUL IN ORDER FOR HIM TO MAKE MONEY

With one of the best surgeons around in Bertram Zarins of MGH who is also the Patriots team doctor and the surgeon who repaired Rodney Harrison's ACL why would the Patriots allow Tom to be operated on in California?

When I hear doctors commenting about their patients' cases I always wonder if they are violating the Privacy Rule under HIPAA:
"It establishes regulations for the use and disclosure of Protected Health Information (PHI). PHI is any information about health status, provision of health care, or payment for health care that can be linked to an individual. This is interpreted rather broadly and includes any part of a patient’s medical record or payment history."
Maybe Brady has given them permission to speak on his behalf but I doubt it.

The net of this is very positive news.

Post operative infections can be absolutely devastating.

A family member of mine had the same knee surgery as TB.

He got an infection

Took months to clear

He now has an artificial knee as a direct result of the infection

He feels like he is reliving the whole thing over again watching the reports on Brady.

This is very nasty stuff.

Leave Brady alone people. He is the king of football, and doesnt deserve anyone calling him crazy.
You think he lacks passion? 50 touchdowns and a perfect season equals lack of passion?
You really think dating a super model is getting to his head? Have you ever dated one?

Give him a break. The Patriots owe everything to Tom. We're a dynasty because of him. Just look at what this team has become without him.

So let the guy live. If he wants to have surgery in CA, then let him. Its his body, not yours.

It's obvious to me that Tom Brady and the Patriots organization have a mutually respectful relationship and I doubt that Robert Kraft, who speaks about him as if he were his son, would ever question his decision. There's no way of telling that there would be a different result anyway. You've got to love ESPN. I'm surprised it wasn't Chris Mortensen getting it wrong this time instead of Wendi Nix. Intrepid reporters they are not.

what bin do you loonies come from?

This is definitely a CYA move for Brady's doctor and TB. He calls the most respected guy he can find and gets him to release a statement to take the heat off. I am sure it's accurate since there is no way a doctor of this caliber would say anything he did not think was true. Let's hope that Brady's doctor gave him the straight stuff since it seems that Andrews bases his opinion on a phone conversation with the guy who's butt is in the fire.

Well said Phil... That guy could be a Charger fan, who knows!

What a bunch of local yocals. MGH is a cesspool, I would have my dog treated there. They would probably be amputating his leg if he when there. Boston does not have the best of everything, and certainly not the best doctor.

The graft is dead tissue, it has no blood supply. Once infected it must be removed.
That is basic principle. I afraid the prognosis is poor. Remove the graft, clear
the infection and then use his own hamstring for new graft.

Please people..instead of having doubts and negativity over our beloved QB lets send him lots of positive thoughts and energy so next year he can throw 51 tds and leads us to back to back SB wins!!!! cmon people show some love!!!!

When and where Brady choose to have surgery was his own business. I think he was foolish not to have in Boston the best medical city in the world.

But the real question is where the infection come from. It either came for the hospital and there instruments not being clean. and sterile Or the Doctor and staff not being clean and sterile. I think that should be investigate before someone else who does not have 20 million dollars to fall back on has surgery and the something happens to them

Ask yourself this question:
Would I allow my boss to dictate to me the following:
a) which doctor I see;
b) which woman I date;
c) whether I can see my son during my time off from work;
d) where my family chooses to live.

If you can answer "yes" to all of those, then you are in a position to criticize Brady's choices.

Now ask yourself this question: are you a board-certified orthopedic surgeon who has worked in the field for years? If not, then how would you know if Dr ElAttrache is a "tier two/three" doctor?

Being ignorant & arrogant simultaneously is quite an accomplishment. I hope your mothers are proud of you.

The medical mecca that is Boston? What a crock of provincialistic myopism. There are excellent doctors and hospitals in many parts of the country. Why did someone with all the resources of your esteemed Senator Kennedy decide to have his surgery done at Duke Medical Center, here in Durham, North Carolina, when his life was on the line? I lived in Boston most of my life, so I know from whence I speak, and really, some of you townies need to get a more global perspective.

I would just really like to know the truth as to why he had the operation out on the west coast. Perhaps to be with his family? Son? His multi milloion dollar land he just bought? All of the abouve, none of the above? Just want to know the real reason.

Dr. Andrews has said in the past that when he has a difficult case and he needs a consult, he calls ElAttrache. They are both exceptionally well regarded surgeons. This isn't some California bozo that TB choose out of the phone book. Infections happen post surgically even to the best doctors. How they are dealt with after the fact is critical. If they save the graft, all is well. If the graft becomes infected, then they must essentially redo the ACL surgery, a much more major setback. The two "surgeries" have been extremely minor and have been to flush out the joint. Andrews isn't going to put his name out on a limb and make a public statement like this without knowing what he is talking about. Also note - NFL teams cannot force players to use their team doctors. However, I highly doubt TB went out and found his own doctor without their input. Common sense, people.

You're an idiot! His ex and son are in NY for her TV show and this is not the Off-Season. This is the middle of the Season and he should be and can be with his team and team medical staff. Do not care who he dates, I just think he is caught up in being "in the scene"... and if being in the scene in HollyWood is what he is doing to keep his edge over the competition, I beg to differ. If this was the old Brady, I think he would be here. Oh, and if my boss was paying me 9mln dollars this year for the use of my body, yes, he could have a say in what Doctor I am using if he wants! I have witnessed this before with many athletes, it is difficult to handle as a coach and as the athlete.

Any surgery can result in infection, it has to do with the host not the doctor, I have seen plenty of folks get infections form surgeries including myself, so it is just part of the game.

It's truly funny to see the sycophants weigh in on this issue, comparing Brady's situation to that of any other "employee." I don't know many BILLION dollar businesses (the estimated value of the Pats franchise) whose fortunes literally rest on the healthy limbs of one person. I'll match my sports knowledge with anyone, and am very familiar with the names of 6-10 orthopedic surgeons around the country who perform major surgery on top tier athletes. I've never read of El Attrache. He might be a fabulous surgeon, but why take the chance? Think of it this way: if Dr. El Attrache needed to select one quarterback to save his billion dollar business, would he select the obvious choice, Tom Brady, or would he choose a very good Matt Hasselbeck? I think we know the answer.

Jesus, it really psses people off that Brady has a babe for a girlfriend. LEAVE IT ALONE. And I'm sure this doctor is first-rate..some posters think because he's an LA doc all he knows is boob jobs. Plus, you can pick up an infection anywhere. The medical staff is on it...I like to think it'll work out fine.

Kyle, to answer your question, the NFLPA collective bargaining agreement mandates that a player be allowed to pick his own doctor; only stipulation is that they be required to consult with the team's medical staff

Having played in the NFL and having dealt with team doctors, let's understand something.

- Being a team doctor doesn't translate to being the best physician available. These doctors are paid by the team and work in the team's best interests. Often there's a conflict of interest here when it comes to decision making.

- Most players get a second or third opinion, if they're smart about it. Brady didn't do anything wrong. He's with a top tier physician. Nobody disputes this. Infections happen.

@ Dan
The coaching staff told Brady (and it was reported in many newspapers), that they wanted him AWAY from the sidelines, the team, and the training facility during his recovery and rehab.
Why not actually LEARN about what you are attempting, and poorly I might add, to talk about before you make yourself look even more of a fool.
BTW, how the hell do you know where his son is? I guess all the pictures the past few weeks of him and his son must be photo shopped... moron...

Happy ex Boston-

The sad part of what you said is that those many people to whom you refer will have no idea what you mean, nor could they care less.

BRADY WILL BE FINE! ONCE HE IS BACK AND WINNING GAMES THEN I BET ALL YOU NAYSAYERS WILL JUMP BACK ON HIS YOU KNOW WHAT!!!!

Tom Brady's kneee is his knee. When all is said and done, it will remain so despite contracts and comments. I expect he is not listening to the local chatter and he will remain Tom Brady...the best.

The question is whether Tom received a cadavre graft or the surgeon used host tissue (patella tendon or hamstrings)? Using his own tissue will lead to a higher chance of salvaging the graft. 3 patients died in one month several years ago in Minnesota when given infected cadavre grafts, all apparently harvested from the same patient. Pus in a knee can lead to devastating complications such as arthrofibrosis (stiifness), articular cartilage damage (arthritis), even loss of limb or death. In my practice (specializing in knee/hip) I strongly recommend against use of cadavre grafts, especially in people of child bearing years.

Hopefully, Tom will continue to ward off the infection and heal properly. I just want to see Tom get well. I'm a Patriots' fan, but first of all I just want Tom Brady to get well because he's a human being who just happens to be a football player. His career takes a back seat to his being whole and well.

Following hip replacement surgery more than 4 years ago, I developed
Staph MRSA, the worst of infections, and the same 6 week daily IV treatment
as Brady is receiving. I sincerely hope he bounces back better than I have.

MERSA is not cured as explained to me , only suppressed by lifetime of
Doxycylene. Good luck, Tom

Tom Brady has a right to choose his own doctor. This is Tom's leg and Tom's life. To those of you who are criticizing his choice of doctors, please get off his back.

Infections can happen to anyone -- anywhere -- any time -- in any hospital. That is a fact of life.

Tom, best of luck in your recovery -- can't wait to see you on the field next year. Your best years are ahead of you...

Dr. Andrews said they used Bradys patella tendon.

Dr. Spina is correct. Infection in the joint is a disaster, frequently resulting in chronic morbidity. Refractory cases not infrequently end up with joint replacement and sometimes amputations. Good luck to Tom, he will surely need it.

Why the heck don't all these "wannabe" doctors keep their "professional opinions to themselves...... Just in case you haven't heard....There isn't a hospital in the country that has NOT had a post op infection....and you better believe that the West Coast Clinic was observing GOOD surgical technique.... and I'm from the New England area . sign me a CRNA