Now just 23 goals away from Wayne Gretzky’s all time NHL goal scoring record, Alex Ovechkin has returned to prime scoring form following a fractured fibula back on November 18th. Initially, Ovechkin was expected to be out 4-6 weeks. This news came as a surprise considering Ovechkin’s incredible durability, who has only missed 35 games total to injury. The Washington Capitals organization had never been without their captain for more than 6 games in a row throughout his 1,451 career games.
Imaging concluded the Capital’s captain fractured his left leg’s fibula during a leg to leg collision with a Utah player. The fibula is primarily a non-weight bearing bone that functions as a site for soft tissue origin and insertions, only assuming about 15% of the weight bearing responsibility. Ovechkin’s fracture did not require surgery so his treatment consisted of only conservative measures. Assuming the fracture was minimally displaced or not displaced at all, literature supports conservative treatment which the Capitals elected to follow.
Had Ovechkin undergone surgery to his fibula it would have depended upon a number of things. First, the displacement of the fracture and the degree of instability would determine the type of surgery. Then, the technique of lateral vs. posterolateral plating and locking vs non-locking plate fixation would need to be determined. Finally, isolated screws and intramedullary fixation could also be considered.
Complications from the injury consist of a non-union, although rare and majority are asymptomatic. A malunion occurs when the fibula grows back shortened or externally rotated. Infection is always of concern but the post operative or incision site infection risk is eliminated because they did not operate. Lastly, the risk of early arthritis is significantly increased.
Now 39 years old, the Russian power forward began ramping up his activity on December 2nd when he returned to the ice for his first practice back in a non-contact jersey. He skated for two and half weeks with a gradual increase in activity before being cleared for contact the week of the 16th. Since December 28th, his return date, Ovechkin has tallied as many goals as games played, averaging a goal per game pace. The Capitals currently sit atop the Metropolitan Division with a four point buffer over the second place New Jersey Devils. With their captain back playing and producing big points on a nightly basis the Capitals look to expand their success into the new year and playoff push.
