Updated at: 0024 PST, Saturday, November 27, 2010
WASHINGTON: US President Barack Obama had to get 12 stitches in his lip Friday after being struck in the face by an elbow during a basketball game, the White House said.
"After being inadvertently hit with an opposing player's elbow in the lip while playing basketball with friends and family, the president received 12 stitches today administered by the White House Medical Unit," spokesman Robert Gibbs said in a statement.
Obama was given local anesthetic when he received the treatment, Gibbs said, adding that he was given a smaller filament that increases the number of stitches tighter together, to ensure a smaller scar.
An avid basketball fan and player, the US leader often plays with friends including his personal aide Reggie Love, who was involved in the game Friday, according to Gibbs. |