NFL Week 6 Injury Spotlight: Aidan Hutchinson Tibia and Fibula Fracture

This weekend the Detroit Lions continued their great season with a 47-9 road win against the Dallas Cowboys, however suffered a massive loss with a season ending injury to their Pro-bowl edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson. While tackling Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott, his leg appeared to snap above the ankle when it collided with his teammate’s leg. He was immediately surrounded by the medical staff who placed his leg in an air cast and was carted off the field. He was forced to stay in Dallas to undergo immediate surgery to repair the displaced fracture. The Lions have reported that Hutchinson’s surgery went well and has an expected 6-month recovery period but are hopeful he may return sooner depending on his rehabilitation.

Hutchinson’s surgery is an ORIF, open reduction internal fixation, procedure which is used to repair tibia and fibula fractures. He suffered a displaced fracture; however, it is a closed fracture which is much better than an open fracture. An open fracture is when the bone punctures the skin which opens the patient up to possible infection. The surgery involves reducing the fracture and bringing the bones back into the right position, followed by fixating the bones by securing them with an intramedullary rod. An x-ray is done to confirm proper positioning before closing the patient and sending him to recovery.

The successful outcome of this surgery will rely heavily on Hutchinson’s commitment and completion of physical therapy. Initially he will be immobilized and non-weight bearing on crutches for several weeks. His physical therapy will begin with gentle range of motion activities for his knee and ankle. Isometric exercises will be introduced to engage his surrounding muscles. Manual therapy will be focused on reducing swelling, improving blood flow, and decreasing the formation of scar tissue.

The intermediate phase of physical therapy will be when he is partial weightbearing and eventually full weight bearing. There will be a heavy emphasis and focus on proper gait training to avoid compensatory movements that can hinder his recovery. His strength exercises will progress appropriately from light resistance exercises to more advanced exercises. Proprioception and balance exercises will gradually be introduced to facilitate good motor control of his joints and muscles.

The advanced stage of physical therapy will be where he begins a higher level of rehabilitation and sport specific activities to facilitate his return to full football activity. Once he has regained appropriate strength and motor control, he will be cleared to begin higher level sport specific training and exercises. He will perform agility exercises like ladder drills, plyometric activities like box jumps, and sport specific drills like sled pushes. These exercises are a vital part of the rehabilitation process for an athlete to return to activity. Hutchinson will not only need to be strong and mobile, but his body must be reacclimated to the demand of his sport prior to returning to the field.

Hutchinson is looking at 6-month recovery. His outlook is good for a full return to the NFL. Studies have shown a 91.5% rate of return to sport following an ORIF for a tibia and fibular repair. Specifically, a study done of NFL players has shown an average of 230 days missed followed by a return to the field. Aidan Hutchinson suffered a horrific injury; however, his outlook is very favorable for a full recovery and return to the field resuming his top tier edge rusher status. Lions’ fans can look forward to seeing him back on the field for the 2025 season!

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!