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The American Medical Society for Sports Medicine (AMSSM) was formed in 1991 to fill a void that has existed in sports medicine from its earliest beginnings. The founders most recognized and expert sports medicine specialists realized that while there are several physician organizations which support sports medicine, there has not been a forum specific for primary care non-surgical sports medicine physicians.
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- Spinal Injuries
- Hip Injuries
- Forefoot Injuries
- Knee Injuries
- Heel Injuries
- Midfoot / Arch Injuries
- Lower Leg Injuries - Calf & Soleus
- Upper Leg Injuries - Hamstring
- Medications
- Shoulder Injuries
- Ribcage / Chest Injuries
- Abdominal Injuries
- Head Injuries
- Elbow Injuries
- Hand Injuries
- Lower Leg Injuries - Achilles
- Ankle Injuries
- Upper Leg Injuries - Quadriceps
- Groin Injuries
- Lower Leg Injuries - Shin
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Member Case Study: Spiral Fracture and Training
There is a definite strength difference between the two legs. Is there anything I can do to balance the strength in both legs? Anything I should be concerned about?
Member question from jeremiahtosic
About three years ago I had a nasty spiral fracture in my right leg (tib, fib, ankle). I've got a rod, some screws, and other hardware. The road back to functional was long and painful, but I think I'm pretty decent right now. One thing I've noticed, though, is there is a definite strength difference between the two legs. Is there anything I can do to balance the strength in both legs, and is there anything I should be extra concerned about considering the hardware in the right leg?
Answer by Marco E Bosquez, MD
Member AMSSM
Glad to hear you have largely recovered from your injury. There are potential unknowns at play in your case including the amount if any of soft tissue trauma that occurred initially. This would include muscle or nerve damage. The other factor is whether the fractures have fully and completely healed.
The obvious answer to your first question is that there are things you can do. This includes physical therapy and an aggressive work out regimen to maximize your range of motion and strength. If you have done both of these, then more than likely you are at the maximum level of improvement. If not, then you have a lot of work left to do.
The answer to the second question is also yes. Some patients experience discomfort and even pain due to the rod in the tibia. This may be exacerbated in your case by the loads you place on your lower leg while training and running. In these cases, removing the rod usually improves the symptoms. The remaining hardware usually gives patients little problem unless there is localized irritation to the skin over the plate. Again removing the plate can help. If you are having no problems, then I would not worry.
Hope you continue to make progress.
Marco E Bosquez, MD
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