According to media reports, Mike Trout has been diagnosed with a rare back condition that has kept him from playing in a game since July 12th. CBS reported that Trout has been diagnosed with T5 Costovertebral Dysfunction.

Here are three things to know about Mike Trout's condition according to minimially-invasive spine surgeon Dr. Kern Singh:

• Mike Trout’s condition is a rare injury that may persist throughout the remainder of his career. The diagnosis is a term called T5 Costovertebral Dysfunction. In laymen’s terms this means abnormal loading of the joint between the rib and the middle of the upper back (thoracic spine).
• These injuries are almost always non-operative and chronic in nature.
• Rest, anti-inflammatories and potentially physical therapy and manipulation can help. In some cases, selective injections into the costovertebral joint can reduce inflammation and associated pain.

Trout hopes to return to playing baseball before the end of the 2022 season. Although a timeline for his return is not clear.

Dr. Kern Singh has an international reputation in the area of minimally invasive spinal surgery. He is also extensively involved in designing new minimally invasive spinal instrumentation for cutting-edge spinal surgery. He is one of the few surgeons in the United States performing Endoscopic Spine Surgery. Dr. Singh's clinical interests include the minimally invasive treatment of complex degenerative disorders of the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine. Dr. Singh also specializes in the minimally invasive treatment of spinal tumors and adult spinal deformities.