Kiwi Surgeon Dr. Rowan Schouten Revives Careers of Cricketers

A serious stress fracture can end careers, but Christchurch-based surgeon Dr. Rowan Schouten is helping international cricketers return to the game. Athletes from various nations, including New Zealand, Australia, and India, are turning to Schouten for his expertise in treating these potentially career-threatening injuries. His reputation as a trusted specialist has grown significantly over the past decade, with referrals from celebrated cricketers solidifying his status as a key figure in sports medicine.

While treating cricketers is a small fraction of his overall workload at St George’s Hospital, Schouten operates on approximately 2-3 cricketers each year. He notes, “When you think we do 200-300 operations a year, it’s a very small niche market as far as our workload goes.” Despite the limited number, the impact of his work is profound, as these surgeries can significantly influence a player’s career trajectory.

Schouten’s involvement with cricket began with former Black Cap Shane Bond, who faced the threat of early retirement due to stress fractures. Bond sought the guidance of Dr. Grahame Inglis, Schouten’s mentor, who pioneered a surgical technique using cables and screws to aid recovery. Following his retirement, Inglis shared his knowledge with Schouten, allowing them to treat injuries in a number of New Zealand cricketers and eventually attracting international athletes.

The first overseas cricketers to seek Schouten’s expertise were Australians, paving the way for a wider reach. “A lot of the cricketers around the world, when they have an injury, they reach out to others that have had similar,” Schouten explained. This network has led to successful treatments for over 25 professional cricketers worldwide, including notable names like Jasprit Bumrah and Jason Behrendorff.

Schouten emphasizes the team effort involved in treating athletes. Collaboration with organizations such as NZ Cricket and imaging services from Pacific Radiology are essential for making informed decisions regarding surgery. Physiotherapist Dayle Shackel plays a crucial role in managing rehabilitation for international players, who typically spend two weeks in Christchurch after surgery before transitioning to virtual check-ups.

Over the years, Schouten has refined his surgical techniques, adapting to advancements in technology. “We have computer navigation in theatre that helps us put everything that we need to insert accurately,” he noted. These improvements are vital for ensuring long-term success and reducing the risk of re-injury.

The nature of cricket, particularly for fast bowlers, places immense strain on athletes’ bodies. Schouten pointed out that a survey of New Zealand male fast bowlers revealed that 45 percent reported experiencing lumbar stress injuries during their careers. Similarly, data from Cricket Australia indicated that 39 percent of their contracted male fast bowlers faced similar issues over the past 12 years.

Stress fractures typically develop due to cumulative loading on the spine, rather than sudden traumatic events. “What happens is you load your spine and you get almost like a bruising of the bone to begin with,” Schouten explained. Without proper management, this can progress to micro damage and ultimately a full fracture. To mitigate these risks, some governing bodies, such as the England & Wales Cricket Board, conduct regular MRI scans for fast bowlers to monitor potential stress and make informed selection decisions.

Schouten recognizes that while surgery has proven successful for many professional athletes, it is not the solution for everyone. “The vast majority of cricketers, playing at all levels of the game, who have stress fractures, do not require surgery,” he stated. For younger players, a non-operative six-month rehabilitation is often sufficient. Surgery is typically reserved for those with recurring injuries that persist despite conservative treatment.

Despite the advancements in surgical techniques, Schouten acknowledges that surgery alone cannot guarantee recovery. He emphasizes that maintaining proper conditioning and effectively managing workloads are crucial for long-term success. “Even post-surgery, some players have had recurrences,” he said, highlighting the ongoing challenge of balancing the demands of competitive cricket with the physical limitations of the human body.

As the sport evolves and the volume of cricket increases globally, Dr. Rowan Schouten’s role in supporting athlete health and performance becomes ever more critical. His dedication to improving surgical outcomes and collaboration with other professionals ensures that cricketers can continue to chase their dreams on the field, even in the face of serious injuries.