Paul George: Compound Injury (Tibia+Fibula)
Background
Paul George was a promising young talent in the NBA. With his impressive playmaking and deceptive skill on both sides of the ball, George was destined for greatness. Even when chosen for the national team, people were excited to see the growth of this player. He was even selected to represent his country in the 2014 FIBA World Cup. However, during the Team USA basketball showcase, George unfortunately suffered a career-altering injury: the compound fracture.
How it happened
In preparation for the 2014 FIBA Basketball World Cup, the US held a scrimmage to excite the world with their immense talent. However, in the fourth quarter, opposing player James Harden went toward the basket for a layup. As usual, Paul George went for a block to stop him from scoring. While coming down from the block, George landed on the side of the basketball platform. Due to his awkward landing, George’s foot bent in an unusual way, fracturing both his tibia and his fibula. This wasn’t just any minor fault though. His bone bent in such a way that it went through his skin. This fatal and gruesome injury is known as the compound injury.
What’s a compound injury
A compound injury is a general term for a bone fracture that pierces through the skin. In Paul George’s instance, it was the fracture of his entire lower leg; the tibia, and the fibula. The tibia is the larger, more dense bone in the front that supports the body’s weight and is designed for mobility. The fibula is the smaller bone in the back that is used as a stabilizer for the ankle and other muscles.
A compound injury is especially worrying since the bone breaks through the skin. It makes the risk for an infection much higher and requires immediate attention to both mend the bone and close the wound.
Medical Response and Treatment
The injury was so visibly ghastly and horrifying that the game was immediately stopped. Players and fans were seen in distress at this unforeseen sight. Following the compound fracture, George was rushed to Sunrise Hospital in Las Vegas and had to undergo emergency surgery.
The surgical process began with the insertion of a titanium rod. The rod was designed to stabilize the tibia and fibula to ensure proper alignment during the healing process. After the rod was placed, the doctors had to manage the open wound. They focused on cleaning and closing the wound to prevent any infection from accessing the leg. Although the injury was terrifying, the immediate medical response and treatment helped tremendously in Paul George’s recovery.
Rehabilitation Process
Because of the severity of the bone fracture, Paul George was not going to have an easy path to recovery. He initially had to immobilize his leg in a cast to hold the bones in place and give them time to heal. George was moving around in crutches for several weeks to avoid putting any weight on his injured leg.
In a couple of months, as the bones began to heal, the recovery process focused on giving a basic range of motion for the ankles, hips, and knees. These exercises were meant to prevent stiff bones and keep joint flexibility. Trainers slowly introduced light strength training as well as balance and coordination drills to build confidence in his leg.
Rehabilitation Process
Because of the severity of the bone fracture, Paul George was not going to have an easy path to recovery. He initially had to immobilize his leg in a cast to hold the bones in place and give them time to heal. George was moving around in crutches for several weeks to avoid putting any weight on his injured leg.
In a couple of months, as the bones began to heal, the recovery process focused on giving a basic range of motion for the ankles, hips, and knees. These exercises were meant to prevent stiff bones and keep joint flexibility. Trainers slowly introduced light strength training as well as balance and coordination drills to build confidence in his leg.
Through progressive overload, George steadily improved his leg strength and stability. George began to participate in light scrimmages along with plyometrics and agility drills about six months after the injury.
About nine months into the rehabilitation, Paul George began playing games with the Indiana Pacer. Of course, these were not serious games and he was given limited playing time with about 10 minutes a game.
The Mental Aspects
Although many don’t consider the mental side of overcoming an injury, psychological factors are important for a road to recovery. Paul Geroge worked with many physicians and sports psychologists to understand his injury and prevent it from happening again.
Additionally, he had to trust himself and have confidence in his ability to move forward. George often advocates for visualization and mental rehearsals to prepare himself for the return. After being the league's once aspiring young star, beating this injury required extreme mental resilience to be at the top once again.
Return to Play
After nine full months of recovery, George was finally back on the court. This is a testament to the fantastic rehabilitation process and his ability to trust it. Soon after his first few games, Paul Geroge truly shined with the ball, earning the nickname “King George”. The entire basketball community was enlightened to see him back and fired up once again.
Conclusion
Paul George suffered one of the worst injuries in basketball history. This compound fracture of both his tibia and fibula looked to many like it was career-ending. However, through the consistent rehabilitation process and encouragement from numerous trainers and loved ones, Geroge was able to regain his touch. Although basketball fans are unsure of how good he would’ve been, it is irrefutable that Paul Geroge’s legacy will be instilled as an all-time great and certainly not defined by this injury.
Sources:
“PAUL GEORGE’S INJURY: Weiss Orthopedics: Orthopedic Surgeons.” Www.weissortho.com, www.weissortho.com/blog/paul-georges-injury#:~:text=Paul%20sustained%20an%20open%20(also.
Carroll, Will. “What Paul George Will Face on His Road to Recovery.” Bleacher Report, bleacherreport.com/articles/214982-what-paul-george-will-face-on-his-road-to-recovery.
“George’s Season in Doubt after Leg Fracture.” ESPN.com, 2 Aug. 2014, www.espn.com/olympics/basketball/story/_/id/11298573/paul-george-suffers-apparent-serious-leg-injury-team-usa-showcase-game.
“Paul George’s Long and Winding Road to Recovery.” 8 Points 9 Seconds, 16 Jan. 2015, 8points9seconds.com/2015/01/16/paul-george-long-and-winding-road-to-recovery/.
Singer, Michael. “Paul George Says Mental Part of Rehab Was the Toughest.” USA TODAY, www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/pacers/2016/07/31/paul-george-pacers-usa-basketball-rio-olympics/87888626/.