FORT WORTH, Texas ― As expected, Robson Palermo has confirmed that he will undergo surgery Tuesday, April 22, to repair his injured right shoulder.
Dr. Tandy Freeman will perform the procedure in Dallas at Baylor University Medical Center.
Palermo consulted with Freeman yesterday and, according to Palermo, an MRI indicated a partial labrum tear.
“I have a bone broken in my shoulder,” said Palermo, who added that his clavicle will also need to be repaired.
Palermo explained that last year he had five anchors inserted in his left shoulder during a surgery performed by Dr. James Andrews. According to the 30-year-old Palermo, Freeman will add five more anchors to tighten and stabilize the right shoulder.
“It’s so loose,” Palermo said. “There’s nothing I can do. I can’t ride like that.”
He’s dislocated his shoulder in each of the past two Built Ford Tough Series events.
Robson Palermo attempts to ride David’s Dream during the 15/15 Bucking Battle in Billings, Mont. Photo by Andy Watson / BullStockMedia.com.
“It’s hard because I took off last year,” said Palermo, who missed the majority of the 2013 season after undergoing season-ending surgery to both shoulders 11 months ago. “It’s frustrating, but it’s the way it is.”
Palermo said Freeman indicated he could make a full recovery and return to competition in 24 weeks.
If all goes as planned that would allow Palermo, who is currently ranked 19th in the world standings despite competing in only 11 of the first 15 BFTS events, an opportunity to compete in the last BFTS event of the regular season in Allentown, Pa., before heading to Las Vegas for the 2014 Built Ford Tough World Finals.
Palermo has won the Finals event title in three of the past six seasons.
“I might have a chance to make two events,” said Palermo, who has remained optimistic and positive despite a disappointing turn of events in recent weeks. Prior to reinjuring his right shoulder, he had issues with his left hamstring and groin.
“I think I have a shot,” he continued. “It depends on my recovery.”
Palermo will initially take part in a physical therapy program in Tyler, Texas, where he lives with his wife, Priscila, and their two kids, Gabriela and Mateus.
He will then go through the rehab and training portion of his recovery at Michael Johnson Performance in nearby McKinney, Texas.
Palermo admitted he was discouraged after this past weekend’s event in Billings, Mont., but credits Priscila for being there for him.
“My wife has really helped me,” said Palermo. “She helped motivate me.”
On Saturday afternoon, Palermo also spoke at length with nine-time World Champion Ty Murray.
Murray missed the better part of three seasons after winning six of his record seven all-around PRCA titles.
“I thought about that,” concluded Palermo. “I need to keep my mind strong.”
Despite frequent injuries, Palermo has won nearly $2.5 million dollars since making his BFTS debut in 2006, including nearly $1.2 million in Las Vegas alone—a PBR record for riders who have not won a world title.
Palermo said his motivation now is to come back in time win a fourth World Finals event.
“I don’t know what it is,” he said. “I love Las Vegas. I feel so relaxed there.”
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