Kevin Ware Compound Tibia Fracture (Viewer discretion advised)
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In Mar. 2013, the Louisville Cardinals played against the Duke Blue Devils in the March Madness Tournament. With six minutes and 41 seconds left in the first half, Kevin Ware jumped to contest a three-point shot taken from the right wing. After an awkward landing, he sustained one of the most gruesome injuries seen in all of sports: a compound tibia fracture. Both teams turned away in horror, having just witnessed an injury that would never be unseen. Let’s dive into the mechanisms behind Ware’s injury.
What Is a Compound Tibia Fracture?
A compound fracture, sometimes referred to as an open fracture, is a fracture where the bone pierces through the skin and leaves an open wound. Compared to other fractures, compound fractures leave the patient at a much higher risk for infection and also extend the period of recovery.
In Ware’s case, his shin bone stuck out of his right leg as a result of a compound tibia fracture. These fractures can be caused by various factors including trauma, force, and twists. This directly correlates with Ware’s experience, as he’d sustained his injury by falling hard from an extremely high jump.
Ware’s Road To Recovery:
Following his injury, Ware was left with immense doubt as to whether he could continue playing. Despite the many hardships he faced during recovery, he was able to direct his focus toward rehabilitation and return to the court just one year later. In a two-hour operation, surgeons inserted a rod into his right leg, forcing him to adjust to new moving mechanics he had never been through before. Eight months post-injury, Ware returned to the court for Louisville and was back to playing the sport he loved. He finished his college career and graduated from Georgia State University, underscoring the athlete’s remarkable perseverance and resilience.
His Impact On Other Athletes:
Ware’s experiences convey a powerful message: that no injury can hinder an athlete’s lengthy journey if you don’t let it. Despite setbacks and adversity, he has proven that no goal is out of reach and that only a positive mindset is necessary. Many athletes in following years have embraced Ware’s mentality and his impact on the future of sports injuries is undeniable.
Conclusion:
After completing his tenure with Louisville and graduating university, Kevin Ware played for various international teams and restored his abilities on the court. His perseverance through a traumatic injury proves that the road to recovery can still be sustainable despite all odds. To learn more about other athletes and their inspiring stories, go check out more articles under the Mental Health tab!
Sources:
Cleveland Clinic medical. “Compound Fracture: What Is It, Types, Symptoms & Treatment.” Cleveland Clinic, my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21843-compound-fracture. Accessed 18 Feb. 2024.
Terbush, Jon. “What Caused Kevin Ware’s Horrific Leg Injury?” Theweek, The Week, 1 Apr. 2013, theweek.com/articles/466053/what-caused-kevin-wares-horrific-leg-injury.
Treacy, Dan. “What Happened to Kevin Ware? The Story of His Broken Leg, Recovery & Career Timeline 10 Years Later.” Sporting News, 15 Mar. 2023, www.sportingnews.com/us/ncaa-basketball/news/kevin-ware-jr-broken-leg-recovery-career/ejzm6cs6nhiqagjsucsthywt.