The circumstances that are required to have these fractures heal are recent fracturing, rest with bracing and no evidence of instability. More likely than not, these fractures have been present for at least 4-5 years. However if your are one of the rare individuals who just fractured at the age of 20, then there is a chance that with appropriate care, these can heal.
In my experience, about 50% of individuals with a new fracture will heal using activity restriction and bracing. I don’t think the bone stimulators work for these fractures but you can try them as they won’t hurt you. These stimulators are quite expensive however so you might want to rethink stimulation.
If the fractures are old, there is no chance that they will heal. The cartilaginous pannus (fibrous scar between the fracture fragments) however can heal and the pain will be reduced if that happens.
You have risk with football. As long as you understand that risk, playing is your decision.
Dr. Corenman
PLEASE REMEMBER, THIS FORUM IS MEANT TO PROVIDE GENERAL INFORMATION ON SPINE ANATOMY, CONDITIONS AND TREATMENTS. TO GET AN ACCURATE DIAGNOSIS, YOU MUST VISIT A QUALIFIED PROFESSIONAL IN PERSON.
Donald Corenman, MD, DC is a highly-regarded spine surgeon, considered an expert in the area of neck and back pain. Trained as both a Medical Doctor and Doctor of Chiropractic, Dr. Corenman earned academic appointments as Clinical Assistant Professor and Assistant Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, and his research on spine surgery and rehabilitation has resulted in the publication of multiple peer-reviewed articles and two books.
