That word has long been replaced with terms like fractures, infections or more aptly called career killers. And those terms make up a theme for fans this decade: fear.

You could more than sense the concern about Howard's recent knee injury, which kept him on the sideline during wins against the Utah Jazz and Golden State Warriors and possibly tonight against the San Antonio Spurs.

You could measure it. Our Web site was flooded with thousands of hits from those seeking the latest update on Howard's bruise.

Sure, this is the age of information and he is the most popular Basketball player in the NBA according to the all-star voting.

But anything short of a broken bone or torn ligament shouldn't generate this much interest.

Then again, this is Orlando. And judging by recent history, we don't take lightly to bruised franchise players.

"We're going to take hits, bruises, bumps, but it's how we get back up," Howard said. "All we can do is hope we stay healthy."

If this were church, I would give Howard an amen and the choir would break out into a Donnie McClurkin song.

In real life, I think about Grant Hill. He took his bruises and bumps, but never really "got back up."

Hill was building an all-star career before he came to Orlando, but one bad injury seemed to endlessly compound into another.

One minute it was a bad ankle. The next he was fighting for his life after a staph infection.

Push Basketball to the side for a brief second. The face of the Orlando Magic franchise almost died.

So Dwight, I hope you can understand why some of your fans are a little touchy about the subject of injuries.

It's one thing for a role player or two to miss a few games. But it was demoralizing to watch Hill model an Armani suit for darn near seven years.

Orlando fans learned a long time ago that Superman isn't invincible and Ironman can rust.

While not serious, Howard's left knee is already showing signs of age at the ripe-old age of 23.

Don't let the dunk contests, McDonald's commercials and Olympics fool you. Howard it still a long way from achieving the kind of success and accolades like 32-year-old Tim Duncan. And good knees are sort of a necessity.

A little fear creeps in when you think about the fact that he already has inflammation or arthritis of the knee according to a recent MRI.

Those nagging pains were enough for him to miss several practices this season.

And soon, he'll wear a knee brace during practices. It's a common wardrobe piece for Basketball players. Just not for Superman.

Until last week, he'd competed in 351 consecutive NBA games.

In all fairness, he has been pretty healthy during his five seasons with the Magic, barring a few nicks and sores.

Howard restored the fans' faith in the Magic's potential, taking the team to two consecutive playoffs. His performances over the past two seasons have almost erased the painful memories of this decade.

Moments like last week, though, make you remember how quickly it can fall apart.

"I didn't realize I fell that hard," Howard said.

Hopefully, he'll get back up soon.