broken fibula (growth plate) and partial tear of ligamnet

by Melissa Frizsell
(Asheville, NC)

My 13 year old son broke his growth plate in the left ankle fibula. He also tore the ligament partially from the bone. He has been seeing an orthopedic doctor for 5 weeks. Therapy twice a week. Cast for 2 weeks, boot with no weight for 2 weeks and is now on weight with boot. He is not able to put his full weight on it yet. He has had 2 x rays and they say it is healing well. There still seems to be a good amount of swelling and I am worried. He is in the 7th grade. Broke it in football and now basketball has started. He really thinks he will be able to play basketball this season which started this week. Realistically what are we looking at. Should I go ahead and break the bad news to him? Is this season out or could he possibly work extra hard and come back? I don't know if we should push hard and try for it or be extra careful and just concentrate on making sure it is healed? Any suggestions?

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broken fibula (growth plate) and partial tear of ligamnet

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Nov 06, 2009
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playing this season
by: Bart - SII

This was always the hardest part of my job - telling an athlete that they may not be able to play this year. It is never easy, and I was always of the opinion of giving it to them straight, and over-estimating the time it would take to get back, so that if they returned earlier, they were excited about being back sooner than expected.

In young athletes, injuries heal a bit faster than in an older population. Fractures take time to heal, and everyone heals differently and at a different rate. Given that he has ligament damage as well (from what you describe), it is important to not rush the process and make sure that he goes through the appropriate rehab to lessen the risk of problems in the future. The general timeline for fracture healing is 6-8 weeks, and then you have to take into consideration the rehabilitation to restore normal muscle strength and stability. Basketball this season may be possible, but it isn't a guarantee.

It is never easy to tell a young athlete that they may not play this season, because sports are so much a part of their life and they often can't see the big picture. I would prepare him for the possibility that he may not play this year, and that he has to work hard in rehab, and follow the physician's instructions and take it day by day.

Bart