Suggestions for evaluating ortho surgery options?
by TripleDomer (2023-03-25 16:12:38)

15YO son suffered distal fibula avulsion fracture - below growth plate- with full tear of anterior talofibular ligament. Ortho A - ankle specialist at large ortho clinic - suggests surgery to implant device to connect ATL to fibula. Ortho B - ped sports med specialist at large ortho clinic - suggests no surgery, starting PT early. Both saw same images and agree on injury. Son will miss entire club bball season and HS bball summer league. Son will probably miss 2/3 of both with option B. That said, full recovery and minimizing risk of future injury are most important.

Given the difference in suggested treatments, I'm interested in any thoughts from our board orthos.


I'd suggest checking with a Sports Medicine guy.
by Barney68  (2023-03-26 15:38:58)     cannot delete  |  Edit  |  Return to Board  |  Ignore Poster   |   Highlight Poster  |   Reply to Post

They have a different view from time to time.


Athletes or higher demand
by ej  (2023-03-26 13:51:50)     cannot delete  |  Edit  |  Return to Board  |  Ignore Poster   |   Highlight Poster  |   Reply to Post

individuals can change the surgical indications for some injuries. There is not necessarily a right or wrong approach in the "grey areas" In general, peds ortho, even the sports med specialists tend to be more conservative. Many adolescent athletes do well long term without surgery. You are already thinking about the trade-offs. Try to carve out the anxiety of the time out from participation, athletes bounce back from extended time off and frequently does not affect their performance.


Thanks *
by TripleDomer  (2023-03-26 22:50:59)     cannot delete  |  Edit  |  Return to Board  |  Ignore Poster   |   Highlight Poster  |   Reply to Post


Not an ortho...
by Kali4niaND  (2023-03-25 22:37:27)     cannot delete  |  Edit  |  Return to Board  |  Ignore Poster   |   Highlight Poster  |   Reply to Post

But do some research on your own and ask your son what he thinks.

I spent years dealing with ankle issues and was always referred to physical therapists. I knew that wasn't the answer. I just knew my ankle. It wasn't until I found a surgeon who told me "Oh, I can fix that" that I knew I had my guy.

I'm not saying that surgery is the answer. But go with your instincts and trust in your son's evaluation of his own body. He's an athlete, he should know it better than anyone.


I know several good orthos. I'm can email you if you'd like. *
by Squirrely Dan  (2023-03-25 20:50:50)     cannot delete  |  Edit  |  Return to Board  |  Ignore Poster   |   Highlight Poster  |   Reply to Post