Injured Tom Delay to Put Foot to Test in Debut of Dancing With the Stars Premiere Tonight on ABC

Injured Tom Delay to Put Foot to Test in Debut of Dancing With the Stars Premiere Tonight on ABC

LOS ANGELES, Sept. 21 /PRNewswire/ -- Former House Majority leader Tom Delay, who injured his foot in rehearsals for Dancing With the Stars, will put it all on the line when he and dance partner Cheryl Burke, a two-time champion, make their season premiere debut Monday night on ABC television network.

Last week, Delay was treated by a team of physicians at D.I.S.C. Sports and Spine Center in Marina del Rey, Calif. headed by Dr. Robert S. Bray, Jr., who was very matter-of-fact in terms of both the diagnosis and prognosis of further injury to Delay's foot.

"Mr. Delay was fortunate he did not suffer a complete fracture of the foot, which would have immediately ended his dancing days, before they had begun," said Dr. Bray, the CEO and Founder of D.I.S.C. "He suffered from a severe stress edema in the second and fourth metacarpal bones, which is a pre-fracture state. The treatment required relative immobilization and rest. Last week, he was placed in a rigid shoe immobilizer, to be worn whenever actual dancing shoes were not required.

"However, he realized the risk that by continuing to dance could lead to fracture and possible surgery. He said he accepted this risk and wished to dance with immobilization at all times possible that would allow him to continue the show. He is letting pain be his guide and so far feels better. If he sustains a full fracture his dancing would be abruptly halted."

Delay, who says he was feeling much better and having success with the immobilization of the foot with the special shoe and constant icing, was grateful to the medical team at D.I.S.C. for their care.

"In my greatest time of need, I found a savior of the foot in Dr. Bray's group," Delay said.

Also involved in the diagnosis and treatment plan for Delay were orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Andrew Bulczynski and Dr. Joseph Horrigan, the director of the Soft Tissue and Sport Performance Centers at D.I.S.C.

Dr. Bray has treated a number of dancers from the show, most notably last season, when he performed an emergency microdiscectomy on Karina Smirnoff who suffered a severe disc herniation in her neck just 17 days prior to the start of the season. Using minimally invasive techniques, he performed a 45-minute procedure and was successful in relieving her pain and getting her back on her feet in time for the opening show.

About D.I.S.C. Located in Marina del Rey, D.I.S.C. was founded by Dr. Robert S. Bray, Jr. one of the country's preeminent neurological spinal surgeons specializing in minimally invasive procedures. In his 27-year-career, he has performed more than 9,500 microsurgical procedures. The Official Medical Partner of the Los Angeles Kings and the Official Medical Center of USA Volleyball, D.I.S.C. is redefining patient care by providing a multidisciplinary center that has the expertise of a variety of specialists from the fields of spinal neurosurgery, orthopedic surgery, physical medicine, pain management and chiropractic services all working together to find the best solution for each individual. In addition, D.I.S.C. features a state-of-the-art surgical center that specializes in minimally invasive spine procedures and advanced arthroscopic and endoscopic techniques. For more information please contact D.I.S.C. at (310) 574-0400 or visit their website at: www.discmdgroup.com.

First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact:

Source: D.I.S.C.

CONTACT: Media, Debbie Rubio of V&R Communications, cell,
+1-213-610-5846, for D.I.S.C.

Web Site: http://www.discmdgroup.com/

NOTE TO EDITORS: Dr. Bray will be in attendance at the show tonight and available for media interviews.

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Profile: International Entertainment