Depending on their drumming style, rock drummers can exert physical force comparable to that of professional athletes. Basher-style drummers, for instance, apply about 450 pounds of kick force with their feet for each hit on the kick drum. This is akin to kicking a soccer ball as hard as possible but repeated hundreds or thousands of times during a concert.
Lynyrd Skynyrd drummer Michael Cartellone, who employs this intense style, began experiencing pain in his right big toe in 2023 after decades of performing. "I reached a point where the pain while drumming became too much to deal with…and I realized I needed to do something about it," he said.
Initially consulting an orthopedic doctor, Cartellone was informed he had a broken toe, a bone chip, and significant arthritis. The proposed solution was surgery involving a steel rod insertion that would prevent his toe from bending again.
"I never considered the ortho’s plan for a second," Cartellone remarked. "The idea of putting a steel rod into my toe so it would never bend again and not cause me further pain sounded ridiculous." He instead opted for a cortisone injection, which only offered temporary relief.
A friend then recommended Dr. Bernard Martin from Stony Brook Surgery's Division of Podiatric Surgery. Although Dr. Martin had not treated professional drummers before, he had extensive experience with foot and ankle injuries among athletes. He suggested the Keller procedure as an effective treatment option.
"My initial reaction was it sounded ideal…and we immediately scheduled the surgery," Cartellone noted.
During the operation, Dr. Martin found that Cartellone’s injury was more severe than X-rays indicated and expressed surprise at his ability to walk and perform.
Post-surgery involved four months of rehabilitation and follow-up visits with Dr. Martin. Once cleared to resume playing, Cartellone approached it cautiously: "I was afraid I would do something to ruin all the healing my foot had done. Thankfully, that did not happen." His strength and confidence gradually returned despite minor aches.
Six weeks later, Lynyrd Skynyrd commenced their tour with Cartellone back on drums without pain issues. Reflecting on his choice of treatment, Cartellone stated: "Dr. Bernard Martin saved my career. I am not just saying that. He saved my career. I will be eternally grateful to him for doing so."
For more details on this story by Dan Olawski, visit the Stony Brook Surgery blog.