This past week’s headlines centered around Tiger Wood’s devastating car accident. Fans around the world are wondering if he will ever return to a normal life or play golf again on a competitive level. Tiger’s physicians seem to be hopeful but it’s too early to tell.
Initial medical reports indicated that both of Tiger’s legs were injured but his right leg and ankle required advanced surgery. Tiger’s right leg was broken into more than two pieces and bones broke through the skin. Surgeons had to insert a long rod into his tibia (shin bone) from below the knee downward to the ankle, stabilize his foot and ankle with screws and pins, and releasing coverings of the leg muscles. Most likely, his wound was left open to let the muscle settle.
As Tiger recovers, physicians may have to perform additional surgical procedures like wound debridement and wound grafts.
Reports indicated that his surgeons performed surgery quickly and this is hopefully a good sign that it is possible there was minimal damage to the muscles and leg structures outside the fractures.
Medical experts all agree that Tiger has a long road to recovery and are hopeful he will be able to resume normal activities but cautiously optimistic. Some physicians are predicting he will not be able to tee it up until 2022.
According to John Sigle, DPM, at the Foot & Ankle Center of Illinois, “We do not know all the details surrounding Tiger’s surgery but his surgeons may have used biologic interventions like Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP), Bone Marrow Aspirate (BMA), Autologous Adipose Graft (AAG), Human Amniotic Membrane (hAM), or Amniotic Membrane (AM) as an adjunct to surgical reconstruction. These biologics are proven therapies that are safe and used to create a more favorable healing environment. I’m sure Tiger’s medical team will do everything possible to get him through the surgical phase of his recovery. Once physical therapy begins, he will have to endure a long rehabilitation process to regain strength and mobility. Tiger possesses a strong mental discipline to accomplish this. We are certainly praying for him and his family during these difficult times.”
According to Dr. Sigle’s associate Christopher Collazo, DPM, “The goal of Tiger’s medical team will focus on optimal healing and minimizing adhesions and scarring to maintain as much functionality in the leg as possible. Tiger will hopefully have greater mobility if they are able to reduce the adhesions and scarring.”
Trauma to the lower extremity can come in all shapes and forms. Individuals can suffer lacerations, torn tendons, contusions, and fractures and sometimes not even realize they have done this till it’s become a serious issue. It is important to know that dropping an object on your foot or rolling an ankle may not be just a simple injury. If you suffer a traumatic injury, it is in your best interest to be evaluated by your foot and ankle specialist or in the emergency room (ER). You may unknowingly have torn a ligament, injured a tendon, or fractured a bone. It is very likely that some form of treatment will be required to allow you to return to your normal activities as soon as possible.
As we anxiously wait for positive reports of Tiger’s recovery, we are reminded of how important it is to have highly skilled medical experts care for you if you ever experience a trauma to your foot or ankle. The Foot & Ankle Center of Illinois (FACI) has advanced fellow-trained foot and ankle surgeons who are prepared to treat all foot and ankle traumas. Most foot and ankle trauma can be treated at FACI clinics. You will be seen on the same day or within a day. There is no need to assume high out of pocket costs for unnecessary emergency room visits. Our patients have immediate access to world class diagnostic imaging including digital imaging x-rays, a weight bearing CT Scanner, and an open Extremity MRI. If you are taken to an ER for a trauma injury, you may instruct the attending physicians to contact us. We are accessible 24/7 and have privileges at hospitals located in Springfield, Decatur, Taylorville, Carlinville, Shelbyville, Sullivan, and Monticello. Our patients also have access to state-of-the-art lasers for pain therapy and post op treatments to promote healing, restoration, and mobility. FACI offers a wide selection of durable medical equipment, foot and ankle products recommended by the American Podiatric Association as well as medications. The Foot & Ankle Center of Illinois is a one- stop shop for all foot and ankle needs. Visit myfootandanklecenter.com to view a short video of a Bone Marrow Aspirate procedure administered by our associate, Grant Gonzalez, DPM, during a surgery to promote post-op healing. Also view a short video on Cutting Edge MLS Laser Therapy used to reduce pain and swelling following surgery. This is the same laser that is used by several sports teams on professional athletes.