Buster Posey Injury Update!

Just a quick Thursday morning post, ESPN is reporting that Buster Posey's X-rays have come back positive for a broken ankle.  In addition, reports are now showing that he may have injuries to the ligaments of his left knee.  Pending an MRI, the severity of the break has yet to be announced, but we will discuss prognosis of a clean break versus one requiring an ORIF.  Needless to say, Buster is more than likely done for the season and the long-term potential of his career may be in jeopardy.

The results of the MRI will  more than likely determine the course of action that the orthopedic surgeon take to bring Buster back to playing health.  Here are a few scenarios that include potential prognosis for returning to play:

Scenario 1:  Fractured bone without additional ligamental injury;  Treatment:  CAM (walking) boot and physical therapy; Time out: 6-8 weeks;  Prognosis: Should return to full ability with no loss of function.

Scenario 2:  Complete fracture with ligamental injury.  Likely treatment:  ORIF (open reduction, internal fixation) and physical therapy;  Time out: 4-6 months; Prognosis:  Given age, should return to close to full strength with minimal limitations.

Here's a picture of the ORIF.  Note that hardware that is inserted will be a limitor of what he is able to gain back functionally.  The more hardware, the less movement he will be afforded.

Scenario 3:  Complicated fracture, in which the bone is completely shattered.  Likely treatment:  ORIF and physical therapy;  Time out: Out for the year;  Prognosis:  May not ever get back to original playing ability.  Given the severity of this injury, significant limitations may be present for the rest of his life.

Just a reminder, the these are only three possible scenarios of what may come about in the future with Buster's ankle.  The commentary provided is just what I have experienced in the clinic, and is in no way a definite answer to the question of how long he will be out.  Professional athletes do typically have a shorter recovery period than the normal lay-person, but given the money involved, the Giants will not rush him back into action.  As a medical professional, here's to hoping that his injury is not too severe and he will be able to play to the potential he has shown in his young career.

Have any questions or comments? Please feel free to email me at jcachodpt@gmail.com and I will get back to you as soon as possible.