WWE reports the surgery to repair Dean Ambrose’s triceps injury was a success

Good news regarding Dean Ambrose and his injured right arm. The surgery we first learned about yesterday (Dec. 19) happened last night in Birmingham, Alabama, and WWE.com reports it was a success.

Dr. Jeffrey Dugas described the approximately 40 minute procedure thusly:

“He tore some of the distal triceps tendon where it attaches to the forearm bone, called the olecranon.

He basically tore about 50 percent of the triceps tendon away from the bone. So yesterday we repaired that back down to the bone where it tore off of. The surgery was very straightforward; we removed all of the extra bursal tissue — all of that extra swollen stuff around his elbow.”

What’s next is more of an unknown. The article on WWE’s website says there’s no information on how long the Grand Slam champion will be on the shelf, but they do say he’s already started light physical therapy and will be leaving Birmingham on Wednesday.

Medical sources online point to a long recovery window - usually several months. But those also say it can take weeks to gain mobility in order to start rehabilitation, so if Ambrose has begun that process, it’s reasonable to assume his timeframe may be less than that.

One of the most high profile triceps injuries in a major pro sport was suffered by Ray Lewis of the Baltimore Ravens in 2012. The All-Pro linebacker was expected to miss 3 - 4 months, but returned in just under two (albeit under somewhat controversial circumstances).

How long will The Shield be a duo instead of a trio? We’ll keep you posted on that, and in the meantime, join us in sending Dean best wishes for a speedy and full recovery.