Tri-Malleolar Fracture in a Female Collegiate Soccer Player: A Case Report
Poster Number
2
Introduction/Abstract
A 20 year old collegiate female soccer student-athlete received a direct contact from an opponent to her lower right leg. After the direct contact the player stepped down onto her right leg and immediately fell to the ground. After initial evaluation, the right ankle was immobilized and EMS was activated. The student-athlete was taken to the hospital where diagnostic imaging was performed and it was found that she had a right tri-malleolar fracture and an ankle dislocation with no associated soft tissue damage.
Method
The student-athlete underwent an open reduction internal fixation surgery after diagnostic imaging was performed. A fixation device was used on the fibula, and screws were placed in the fibula and tibia to hold the bones in place. Postoperatively, the patient participated in a rehabilitation program concurrently in a Physical Therapy Clinic and an Athletic Training Facility. Subjectively, the student-athlete was able to resume sport specific activity after seven months, however she received medical clearance for full return to play at ten months.
Results
While the occurrence of tri-malleolar fractures occur infrequently in athletics, proper treatment and rehabilitation can lead to a quicker and successful return to play. The positive outcome was due to the continued communication and engagement of all associated practitioners (i.e., AT, PT, MD, etc.) together with the student athlete. Her compliance to treatments, rehabilitation, and sport-specific training also greatly impacted her ability to return back to the high level of athletic participation in Division- I athletics.
Significance
Tri-malleolar fractures have the lowest incidence rates when compared to other ankle fractures. Rehabilitation of such an injury is not commonly seen and by having a strong inter professional relationship and patient compliance throughout treatment and rehabilitation greatly aids in the return to play process.
Location
DeRosa University Center, Stockton campus, University of the Pacific
Format
Poster Presentation
Tri-Malleolar Fracture in a Female Collegiate Soccer Player: A Case Report
DeRosa University Center, Stockton campus, University of the Pacific
A 20 year old collegiate female soccer student-athlete received a direct contact from an opponent to her lower right leg. After the direct contact the player stepped down onto her right leg and immediately fell to the ground. After initial evaluation, the right ankle was immobilized and EMS was activated. The student-athlete was taken to the hospital where diagnostic imaging was performed and it was found that she had a right tri-malleolar fracture and an ankle dislocation with no associated soft tissue damage.
