Prognosis on Lower body injury

Submitted by [email protected] on
Since some medical input might be appropriate - (I'm an internal medicine physician) One must allow at least 4-6 months for recovery and rehab. Any bone fracture will begin to knit together in 6-8 weeks, assuming no malunion, but ligaments and tendons take much longer to heal. Tendon and ligaments injuries will not be visible on x-ray, but _may_ or _may not_ be visible on MRI. Wolfolk will need another 4-6 months for rehab, and most ankle dislocations with fracture carry a significant risk of not returning to baseline function. ( I do not intend to express any medical opinion, since I have not examined Mr. Wolfolk, and the details of his case may involve something different from a dislocated ankle, but as a general scenario, I think it is appropriate to understand that an ankle dislocation is much more severe injury than a simple ankle sprain. Using a google search for "orthopedics surgery dislocated ankle", here are two good references, but please for laymen, with limited anatomical vocabulary, there are also patient information refs from livestrong and medlineplus, which are pretty reputable sites. http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/823087-overview http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=a00391 http://www.livestrong.com/article/6389-need-ankle-dislocation/ http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ankleinjuriesanddisorders.html Just for everyone's possible information! P.S. Bummer!

clarkiefromcanada

August 17th, 2010 at 9:15 PM ^

I am a therapist and I can vouch for the fact that the recovery from this type of injury (as described) is not consistent and that resumption of gait is difficult in the short term let alone quick cuts after running backwards 18 yards.

I am hoping Cullen Christian is awesome.

jmblue

August 17th, 2010 at 9:33 PM ^

There are no issues there.  He's a true senior, so he has a redshirt available.  Since the season hasn't started, he wouldn't have to apply for a medical redshirt - it's automatic for anyone who sits out an entire year (provided they haven't previously done so).

Pay the Dragon

August 17th, 2010 at 9:24 PM ^

Im a sports medicine practitioner and have seen the power of Mike Barwis' "therapy" in action. September 4th may be a little fast......but surely we'll have him back for the Irish.

 

/ sarcasm.....or am I?

 

Michigan hating God got started a little early this year

loosekanen

August 17th, 2010 at 9:24 PM ^

Speaking as someone who had ligament damage in his ankle I can say even after it's "healed" it really doesn't feel right for a few YEARS. I injured mine in 2005 and I still feel pain from time to time, especially when swimming.

BlizzardOfOz

August 17th, 2010 at 9:46 PM ^

I damaged ligaments playing basketball when I was in my early 20's.  Went up for a rebound and came down on the side of another player's foot.  My wife (girlfriend at the time) heard the pop from across the gym.

Fortunately for me I was in the military and was allowed time out of my work day to rehab 5 days a week.  It was a very painful rehab.  I recall using something called a BAPS board in rehab.  I pushed through but it was difficult.  I did not dislocate my ankle and did not require surgery.  I was able to play ball again after 6-8 weeks of intense rehab.  My injury was considered an ankle sprain (grade 3 if I remember correctly). 

Troy's injury, unfortunately, sounds much more severe.  I'll be pulling for him.

moredamnsound

August 17th, 2010 at 10:28 PM ^

"This is what you call anticipation. The great, great players have it, the rest of us are normal mortals. Charles Woodson is not a normal guy." Wow I wish we could bring him back. Either way, GO BLUE! Here's to a speedy recovery, Woolfolk (toasts then drains rum and coke in hand). And hopefully Cullen isn't a normal guy either.

Bodogblog

August 17th, 2010 at 9:35 PM ^

For tonight, assume the injury is serious given its limited description.  Pray for our man Troy and his well being, if you're so inclined

But first, do no harm (on this board)

Once we have info. on the actual injury, your medical views will be very appreciated

Njia

August 18th, 2010 at 12:19 AM ^

A serious medical condition, the description of which has been used to great effect for marketing of the Little Blue Pill and similar ED pharmaceuticals...

VOICE OVER: When the moment is right ...

COUCH POTATO: <yawn>

VOICE OVER: Call your doctor immediately if you have an erection lasting for more than four hours ...

COUCH POTATO: What?!? This stuff can make me harder than Chinese algebra? Where's a pen and paper, damn it? What's that phone number? SHIT!

COUCH POTATO: HONEY! Bring me the phone...! Now, damn it!

[email protected]

August 17th, 2010 at 10:02 PM ^

I know some people feel I should not have posted anything with medical information.

My intention is to communicate the need to be conservative about Troy's injury, if it does involve an ankle dislocation, since he will need a significant period of time to heal and rehab, and allow him a good chance to return his regular playing function.   

I think Troy is a great player, who has a chance to help the Michigan defense next year, and go onto the NFL afterwards.  Sure, this is incredibly bad timing, but Troy can be a leader on the sidelines this year, and return next year, when he can contribute.  I don't think he should return to playing this year, if it would risk chance of full recovery and his future as football player.  I hope you guys can understand that!

Needs

August 18th, 2010 at 8:47 AM ^

What are the chances of nerve impingement with an ankle dislocation? I'm assuming they're somewhat less than a knee dislocation (ala Antonio Bass), which is a positive. It doesn't sound like there's been any necrosis, since they've held back on surgery. And I'm hoping a fibula break is more likely to heal correctly than a break of one of the smaller ankle bones like the talus (have a friend that's been rehabbing a surgically repaired talus break for about 9 months and still has very limited mobility).

So are we talking an average recovery that would put him in line for a limited spring practice and then a relatively full season of summer conditioning?

zerocool

August 17th, 2010 at 9:57 PM ^

There is an article quoting his dad, Butch, confirming ankle dislocation, possible ligament damage and broken bone.  I definitely feel for the kid and I wish him a speedy recovery.  One more thing for the team to rally around. He will be missed this year but I hope that we are all pleasantly surprised by his replacement....whover that may be.

pullin4blue

August 17th, 2010 at 9:59 PM ^

I think without anyone on this board actually examining Troy all of this is conjecture. HIPAA rules prohibit anyone from  releasing any  information unless the patient or his family consent to the release of such information.

I think the hopes that Barwis can do something for this by the ND game is far-fetched and unlikely. If he was taken by ambulance and team doctor going with him, this injury is serious. However, I too am of the opinion that there is time for someone to rise up and take advantage of this now-open position. If there are any CB's out there looking at Michigan, they have to see immediate playing time in their future.

Troy, God Bless and a speedy recovery. I hope you prove me wrong and are back on the field soon.

[email protected]

August 17th, 2010 at 10:15 PM ^

Yes, this is all conjecture, since I have not seen or examined Troy, and would not express any medical opinion as his physician  without the necessary consent to release information from Troy.

However, there are reports of the injury on the Mgoblog report updates, and above some comment claiming a report from Butch Wolfolk, Troy's father, which I would treat with skepticism until there is a confirmed report with video.  I think it is useful to have an accurate idea of potential problems of an injury, and wanted to point people in the direction of reasonably, reliable references.  

Personally, I doubt anything certain will be known about the extent of the injury for at least a couple weeks.  I trust the doctors and staff at University of Michigan Hospitals will give him the best of care, and will express any public information, when it is appropriate and permitted.  

BiSB

August 17th, 2010 at 10:03 PM ^

Question for you: what are the odds of an injury like this healing fully within 10 or 11 months?  WIthout knowing the specifics, what are the chances he could return for next year's season?