MEDICAL CENTER PHYSICIAN HELPS HASBROUCK
HEIGHTS ATHLETE GET BACK ON THE FIELD

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Jesse Daniele and Paul Kovatis, M.D. worked together to get Jesse back into the game.

A Hasbrouck Heights High School athlete has overcome a devastating injury and resumed his beloved sports activities two years after he was nearly crippled during a tackle on the football field.

It was raining the day Jesse Daniele, now 17, was ankle-deep in mud and twisted flat on his back during a tackle. Covered in mud, Jesse was taken to Hackensack University Medical Center, where he was treated by Paul Kovatis, M.D. of Hackensack, an orthopedic surgeon who specializes in foot and ankle injuries. "Jesse had no pulse," Dr. Kovatis said, "and his ankle was so badly twisted I fully expected he had sustained a life-altering injury."

Specifically, Jesse suffered multiple fractures to his ankle, a dislocation of his ankle, and the severing of a major nerve. At worst his foot might need to be amputated; at best he would not walk again.

In the next two years, Jesse underwent two surgeries and sat on the bench at football games. He endured the boredom of endless days without sports while he worked hard at physical therapy. In the end it all paid off. This year Jesse participated in football, wrestling, and track. He was named most valuable wrestler for Hasbrouck Heights High School and won the District 15 championship. He plans to study at Montclair State University in the fall.

"It's a credit to Jesse that he has done so well," Dr. Kovatis said. "This is a kid who lives for sports, and I am so gratified that he has been able to get back in the game. The alternative would have been devastating."