The Detroit Lions continue to dominate this season in a crushing 52-6 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars, however this win came at a cost as their defense took another major loss. Veteran linebacker and defensive captain, Alex Anzalone, suffered a broken forearm in the 2nd quarter of the game. His arm was forcibly trapped between two players causing a leverage point for the bones to break. He stayed on the ground holding his arm for a moment then walked off the field. He and the medial staff walked straight back to the locker room to have x-rays done. The Lions confirmed after the game that Anzalone had broken his forearm and would undergo surgery to repair the injury but expect him to return in 6-8 weeks in time for the playoffs.
The forearm is comprised of two bones: the radius and the ulna. These bones are responsible for the movement in our forearm and attach at the elbow and wrist joints. Typically, when these bones are broken surgery is the best treatment option to ensure proper healing. This surgery is called an ORIF, open reduction internal fixation. The broken bones a repositioned to realign them, then they are secured with plates and screws to ensure proper stability during healing.
Physical therapy will be a key part of recovery and ensuring a full return to activity. Anzalone will start treatment very soon after surgery. The immediate treatment will focus on reducing post operative pain and swelling. The physical therapist will perform various manual techniques to improve joint and muscle mobility. It is imperative that full range of motion is attained to ensure good functional use of the wrist and elbow. As Anzalone progresses through treatment he will begin strengthening exercises focusing on hand, wrist, elbow, and shoulder strength. These exercises will be straightforward to rebuild his foundational strength in his arm. Once he has regained strength and mobility, he will progress to higher level exercises. He will begin to use heavy weight and resistance and will start to perform weight bearing exercises like push ups and planks. As he continues to progress through treatment, he will begin sport specific exercises to work on his grip strength and arm mobility for tackling. Since his position requires a high level of contact it is important that he heals fully to ensure he is ready to return to the field and to reduce the risk of reinjury. When he returns to the field, he will most likely be wearing a protective brace to help reduce impact to the forearm while he plays.
The Detroit Lions will anxiously await Anzalone’s return as they continue to dominate this season. With proper physical therapy and treatment, he can expect to return to the field in 6-8 weeks wreaking havoc on opposing offenses. Lions’ fans will look forward to seeing their defense return to its full potential heading into the postseason and a strong push for a Super Bowl!
Don’t forget to give Portsmouth PT a call if you run into any injuries so we can help you get Back to Sports, Back to Work, and Back to Life!
Published November 21, 2024 | Posted in NFL Injury Spotlight.
