Fakeeh University Hospital saves a young athlete's career, by a timely orthopedic intervention

To save a young footballer’s career is no less than saving his life. Fakeeh University Hospital, recently, did just that. Not only did the hospital was able to save the athlete’s foot, but also gave a new lease of life to his career.

The case

A 20-year-old professional football player recently visited Fakeeh University Hospital with pain in the right foot. The player had complained of the same issue 9-10 months back, at which time it was diagnosed with stress fracture of 5th metatarsal (at a different hospital). After adequate X-rays and MRI reports, the patient was advised rest for 4-6 months, and was advised to avoid any playing or training.

After the rest period, the patient felt recovered and re-started playing football. However, he again started experiencing the same pain and this time, he took a consultation from a professor of Foot & Ankle in Switzerland. The radiology reports showed no signs of stress fracture and the patient was given 3 injections for the condition. The patient recovered and again resumed football, only to experience the pain, yet again.

This is when the patient finally reached Fakeeh University Hospital, where Dr. Muhammad Khalifa, Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Specialist, Fakeeh University Hospital, took charge of his case.

Detailed diagnosis

Patient arrived at the hospital with mild limping and no apparent deformity. However, Fakeeh University Hospital felt it was a necessity to again perform a complete and detailed diagnosis. The hospital’s decision stood correct, as the results revealed that the patient indeed still had stress fracture of the 5th metatarsal. Additionally, there was localized swelling and tenderness on the base of 5th metatarsal, callosities on medial aspect of MPJ & IPJ, intramedullary sclerosis and lack of periosteal callus reaction. Final diagnosis was made as: Stress fracture of 5th metatarsal of the right foot.

Early surgical management

Considering the sensitivity of the patient’s age, career and the overall case history, Dr. Khalifa took the decision to adopt an early surgical management. The reason being, as per literatures, it is better to opt for operative treatment of the 5th metatarsal fractures, rather than other modes of treatments. Dr. Khalifa was aware that an early surgical management also results in smaller number of delayed unions or non-unions, as compared to conservative treatments.

The goals of an early surgical management are also to minimize the risk of non-union and recurring fractures. Most importantly, to ensure that the athlete can get back to active sports as soon as possible and without hassles.

"In such cases, timely intervention and proper diagnosis is vital. When we are handling the delicate life and career of an athlete, an accurate treatment path should be taken. We were able to successfully perform the surgery at the right time for the patient, before his condition could go worse. What further helped us was that Fakeeh University Hospital has the right equipment to perform all such advanced surgeries, with accuracy and faster recovery periods," says Dr. Muhammad Khalifa, Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Specialist, Fakeeh University Hospital.

Faster recovery

The patient was admitted immediately and a percutaneous screw fixation of metatarsal was performed. The post-surgical recovery was uneventful. And he was discharged on the same day, with post-operative and rehabilitation instructions.

These included:

• Short period of non-weight bearing (1-2 weeks)

• Protected weightbearing and beginning therapy focusing on range of motion

• Non-impact aerobic exercises

• Commence running and impact activities at 6 weeks, if signs of radiographic callus

• Focused shock waves recommended at the fracture site (2-3 sessions)

• Avoid Set-Piece Kick by left leg and curve running on right side