Two shoulder dislocations turned Israel Prince-Oyakhire’s senior football season into a race against time. The Shiloh High School defensive back had never faced a major injury before, but now the clock was ticking. Through fast action, expert help and good ol’ fashion gridiron grit, Israel turned his tragic injury into a success story.
Israel is the latest Northside Hospital Comeback Athlete of the Week, and this is his story.
From dislocating shoulders to defensive playmaking
“Upon first hearing the news I was shocked,” Israel said.
His team was facing a huge first-round playoff game against Milton, and the Snellville native’s shoulder wouldn’t stay in the socket. Back-to-back dislocations took him out of the game. An MRI later revealed Israel tore his labrum. Surgery was needed, along with a hefty 5-month recovery plan.
It was up to Northside Hospital orthopedic surgeon Dr. Elan Golan to get him back in the game.
“I’d like to thank the workers at Northside Hospital and Dr. Golan for a smooth surgery process,” Israel said.
Supporting the largest high school athletic outreach program in the Southeast, Northside Hospital Orthopedics serves over 50 Georgia schools, providing sports medicine specialists, athletic trainers and more to safely bring out the best in local athletes. Northside is the official healthcare provider for Georgia State University athletics, Reinhardt University and Georgia Gwinnett College. These partnerships are powered by a massive team of experienced health experts with a unified goal: getting student-athletes, like Israel, safely back to doing what they love most.
For Israel, recovery began with surgery back in January. His right shoulder repaired, the Snellville native began rehabilitation just a few weeks later. By June, he was cleared to play.
Since then, it’s been quite the comeback. Israel has recorded three interceptions, a fumble recovery, two pass deflections and over twenty tackles in his first five games back.
“To any student athletes who are facing major injuries, I’d like to tell you to remain confident, be patient, and continue to work hard,” he said.
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*The health story shared here is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Patients should consult with their own physician before making medical decisions.
