Back on the Podium After Elbow Surgery

From Setback to Podium: How a Hoag Orthopedic Institute Surgeon Helped Damon Make a Historic Comeback

Damon, a 56-year-old retired police officer, spent over three decades serving the City of Irvine and the Orange County District Attorney’s Office. But even after retiring from law enforcement, he didn’t slow down—especially in the water. A lifelong athlete and accomplished swimmer, Damon has long competed in the World Police and Fire Games, a global event uniting thousands of law enforcement and firefighting athletes from more than 70 countries. The 2025 games were set to mark his 15th consecutive appearance since he first competed in 1997.

Then came a wipeout that threatened everything.

In January 2025, while surfing in Newport Beach, Damon slipped off his board and struck his elbow hard against the ocean floor, shattering his radial head. He was rushed by ambulance to Hoag Hospital, where he was told his elbow was too damaged to repair.

Determined to find the best care, Damon turned to Dr. Hafiz Kassam, Director of Shoulder Reconstruction at Hoag Orthopedic Institute (HOI)—a specialist in shoulder and elbow surgery and a former international competitive boxer. “I knew he would understand what I needed to get back to competition,” Damon said.

Dr. Kassam reviewed Damon’s imaging and confirmed the diagnosis: the fracture was too extensive for traditional repair.

“His elbow fracture was severe,” said Dr. Kassam. “Since we couldn’t perform an internal fixation with plates and screws, I recommended a radial head replacement. While typically reserved for older patients, if done correctly, it can be a great option for significant radial head fractures, with potential to regain excellent function.”

Damon’s main concern was timing. “The World Police and Fire Games were just a few months away, and I needed to be there competing,” he said. “Dr. Kassam was cautious in guaranteeing me I could compete, but he empowered me with the steps I would need to take after surgery to rehab and get back in the pool as soon as possible.”

In late January, Dr. Kassam performed the radial head replacement at Hoag Orthopedic Institute, making a small lateral incision, removing the shattered fragments, and placing a prosthetic joint. Damon was able to return home from HOI the same day. “I have read horror stories on social media about this surgery and the huge scars so many patients suffer with, but I have a remarkable, tiny scar that is barely noticeable.”

His arm was immobilized for several weeks, but he started physical therapy almost immediately. By early March, he was back in the water. “My coach jokingly said I was back from the dead,” Damon said. “I had a three-month runway to get ready for the Games. I started with just kicking, and I bought a home stationary bicycle and started riding every day. I quickly worked up to freestyle and finally back stroke—it was difficult, and I wasn’t where I was before, but I could do it.”

With a successful surgery at HOI, a dedicated rehab program at HOI partner ProSport Physical Therapy and relentless training, Damon boarded a plane to Birmingham, Alabama, in June 2025—ready to compete.

And compete he did.

Damon medaled in eight races: earning four golds, three silvers and one bronze. His relay teams have now set three world records, and his career medal count is over 100. “I’m so thankful to Hoag Orthopedic Institute and Dr. Kassam for getting me back and able to compete in my 15th straight World Police and Fire Games competition,” he said. “I appreciate that my physician was not only a specialized surgeon, but he was a researcher who was providing me the latest advancements in care.”

Congratulations to Damon for overcoming adversity and continuing to break swimming records—along with barriers for what recovery can look like with the right care, mindset and determination.