San Antonio Spurs rookie Victor Wembanyama has been ruled out of the 2024-2025 season due to a serious blood clot in his right shoulder, according to the NBA. The French center, who won Rookie of the Year honors last season, was diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a condition that occurs when a blood clot forms in a vein deep in the body.
DVT is most commonly associated with clotting in the legs, but it can also occur in other parts of the body, including the upper arms and torso. Certain risk factors increase an individual’s likelihood of developing DVT, including age (over 40), cancer, heart disease, lung conditions, and autoimmune disorders such as lupus.
Symptoms of DVT include swelling, pain, tenderness, redness, and warmth in the affected area. Doctors diagnose DVT using ultrasound or scan tests, and may also run blood tests to check for clotting factors. Treatment typically involves medications to thin the blood, compression stockings, and bandages. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to remove the clot.
Wembanyama’s condition is a rare complication of his injuries, but it highlights the importance of monitoring athletes’ health closely, especially those with pre-existing conditions or risk factors for DVT.
Source: https://edition.cnn.com/2025/02/20/health/deep-vein-thrombosis-explainer-wembanyama-wellness/index.html