Odds On Racing - Harness Racing

Palone Back Home

April 18, 2007

Dave Palone, who suffered a serious leg injury in a race mishap at The Meadows one week ago, was released from the hospital today — and began a “range-of-motion” activity program upon returning home.

Palone, 45, who ranks third on harness racing’s career wins list, required surgery at Pittsburgh’s Allegheny General Hospital to repair multiple fractures to his right femur, or thighbone, a procedure that included insertion of a rod and pins.

Bethann Palone reported that, despite bouts of nausea, a throat reddened by the tube used during surgery and occasional hot flashes as his body adjusts to the metal rod and pins, her husband was walking with crutches and performing the range-of-motion program.

“He’s not allowed to put any weight on the leg for six weeks, but the doctor doesn’t want him just lying in bed,” she said. “If he wants to regain the full range of motion, he needs to do these activities now.”

The program includes heel pumps, quad sets, and knee flexes with heels resting on a cookie sheet. Bethann Palone, an occupational therapist by profession, supervises all the activities.

She said Palone was cheered by the opportunity to spend time with their 4-month-old daughter Alana and by the almost overwhelming volume of get-well wishes.