Fractured ankle (return to basketball timeline)

by Evan
(Chillicothe, IL)

I am an assistant coach for a high school basketball team. Three minutes into the second game of the year, a key player broke his ankle. I don't know many details yet, but the doctor said he will not be able to play for 10-12 weeks. However, from what I have read, fractured ankles usually keep a player out for up to 8 weeks. I read that worse fractures may take longer to heal; but his injury did not cause him pain when he wasn't putting weight on it, did not prevent him from putting weight on it, and did not require surgery.

I am wondering how often a fracture takes longer than normal to heal without causing a lot of pain or requiring surgery. What is the chance he is able to play again in less than 10 weeks?

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Fractured ankle (return to basketball timeline)

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Nov 19, 2008
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fracture healing
by: Bart - SII

Most fractures will heal in 6-8 weeks. From what you describe, it sounds like this was a straight forward fracture that has no complications. So, good healing should be achieved in this time frame. However, I would agree with the doctor in that a return to basketball should be around 10-12 weeks. After good healing is achieved, there will need to be a period of time for rehabilitation - usually 3-4 weeks - to build up muscle function, balance, endurance, etc. This usually cannot occur until after the initial healing time frame of 6-8 weeks. So, for a safe return with the smallest chance of continued problems or re-injury, 10-12 weeks is probably an accurate timeline.

Bart