When Lions Take a Tumble | OMPT Specialists

In the Lions recent game against the Cowboys, star defender Aidan Hutchinson took a tough break – literally. He fractured both his tibia and fibula. Now, as Hutchinson begins his road to recovery, he’s not just healing – he’s preparing to pounce back stronger. This journey will demand patience, courage and of course, a lot of physical therapy! 

Understanding the injury: tibia and fibula fractures

In Hutchinson’s case, the fractures in his lower leg to the tibia and fibula required surgery. The doctors realigned and stabilized the two bones with a rod. Luckily, the fracture was not reported to be a compound fracture. In addition, the injury did not involve any nerve, ligament or artery damage, which puts his recovery at 4-6 months.  

Inflammation phase (1 day to 7 days post injury)

The healing process begins immediately after injury with bleeding, blot clot (hematoma) formation, and the release of inflammatory mediators. Studies suggest that the early intervention with anti-inflammatory drugs should be limited as they can inhibit this phase and delay healing

Repair phase (1 week to 6 weeks post injury)

Next, the hematoma turns into a soft callus at about 4 to 12 days post injury. This callus acts like a natural brace to stabilize the break. Over time, special cells (osteoblasts and chondrocytes) deposit minerals like calcium to gradually turn this soft callus into a “hard callus” or new bone tissue starting at about 4 weeks post injury.

During this stage, weight-bearing activities are usually limited because the bone is still soft and fragile. The exact time for the hardening phase can differ based on the injury type and the person’s age and health.

Remodeling phase (6 weeks to several months)

During the remodeling phase, the bone continues to heal and reshape over several months. The soft callus becomes stronger as the body removes excess bone tissue and adds new bone tissue, making the bone stronger and more organized.

Physical therapy for tibia and fibula fractures

Phase 1: Protection and early mobilization (0 to 6 weeks)

In the first week’s post-surgery, physical therapy focuses on protecting the fracture site while reducing swelling and pain. Hutchinson has been using crutches to prevent weight bearing, which facilitates healing of the bones. PT may include:

• Edema Management: Techniques like elevation, compression and massage
• Range of Motion (ROM) Exercises: Active ROM to uninvolved areas like the ankles and hips to prevent blood clots and stiffness. Passive ROM to the knee to reduce stiffness which will be progressed to active assisted ROM and active ROM over the course of several weeks
• Strength Exercises: Isometrics and non-weight-bearing exercise for non-injured muscles of the core, hips and ankles

Phase 2: Strengthening and weight bearing (6 to 12 weeks)

With early bone healing, Hutchinson may progress to partial weight-bearing then full weight-bearing as tolerated with walking and exercise during this phase

• Weight-Bearing Exercises: Hutchinson will transition from non-weight-bearing to weight-bearing exercises through the affected leg as tolerated

• Balance Training: Proprioceptive exercises to restore coordination and balance 

Phase 3: Functional rehabilitation (12+ weeks)

As the bones fully heal, therapy focuses on restoring the function needed for football. Exercises will progress as tolerated over the weeks and months to get Hutchinson ready for the 2025 season

• Strength Training: Multi-Joint movements like lunges and
• High-Impact Drills: Plyometrics, agility exercises, and sprints
• Sports-Specific Movements: Stimulating football maneuvers to ensure he is game ready
  
  

Aidan Hutchinson’s road to recovery from his tibia and fibula fracture is being supported by a dedicated medical and rehabilitation team. The Detroit Lions’ medical staff, in partnership with specialists who were involved in his surgery, are guiding him through the early stages of his rehabilitation. If there’s one thing this Lion has proven, it’s that he’s got the heart of a champion and that he’s determined to ROAR back onto the field. 

By Hannah Ford, PT, DPT, KEOMPT