- Terrifying injury deterioration occurred after NRL clash
Brisbane Broncos star Deine Mariner has undergone ‘limb-saving’ surgery on his leg after developing acute compartment syndrome in his side’s match versus the Sydney Roosters on Saturday night.
Mariner left the Allianz Stadium pitch late in the first half, but returned with 15 minutes left after being passed fit to play on despite suffering a corked muscle in his right leg.
All seemed well and good for the winger until he reported extreme pain to the club’s medical team a few hours after the Broncos’ 38-24 loss.
The 23-year-old was rushed to hospital by ambulance for emergency surgery once the Broncos medical team realised the seriousness of the situation.
‘I was called to see Deine at 1.30am. It was obvious that his thigh had worsened,’ Broncos chief medical officer Dr Matt Hislop said.
‘He was in significant pain and the thigh was very firm.
Deine Mariner (pictured with fiancée Grace) had to have surgery to save his leg after suffering what seemed to be a corked muscle
Mariner (pictured in action against the Roosters on Saturday night) was rushed into surgery after suffering acute compartment syndrome
The 23-year-old could be out for as long as two months after
‘We performed an ultrasound in the hope of draining a haematoma, but the swelling was diffuse within the muscle, and there was nothing to drain.
‘Thankfully, Deine still had functioning nerves and arteries in his leg, but it was apparent he was developing an acute compartment syndrome.’
An ambulance was then called as the race was on to save Mariner’s leg.
‘Paramedics were able to provide much-needed pain relief and Deine was transferred to the RPA (Royal Prince Alfred Hospital) ED department,’ Dr Hislop said.
‘A decision was made to perform limb-saving surgery and Deine was taken to theatre in the early hours of Sunday morning.
‘The length of recovery will be determined as the swelling in the muscle resolves.’
Mariner remains in RPA in Sydney’s inner west and is expected to be sidelined for up to two months.
He is set to undergo more surgical procedures before being discharged to return to Brisbane.
