Introduction
Bone fractures can have devastating implications, especially for athletes whose careers depend on their physical prowess. Efficient rehabilitation strategies are paramount for such individuals to return to play (RTP) swiftly and safely. This case study revolves around a professional football goalkeeper who suffered a 4th metacarpal bone fracture and underwent rehabilitation using Functional Magnetic Stimulation.
Background
Patient Profile: 23-year-old male, professional football goalkeeper.
Injury Incident: The goalkeeper sustained a 4th metacarpal bone injury during a match on 20.8.2022. During a tackle, he was inadvertently hit by an opposing player.
Diagnosis: An RTG scan on the following morning confirmed the fracture.
Rehabilitation Process
- Initial Treatment: On the day of the diagnosis, the patient commenced physiotherapy sessions at the Modra Fizioterapija clinic.
- Functional Magnetic Stimulation (FMS): Developed by Iskra Medical, this treatment was incorporated into the patient’s daily regimen. The goalkeeper underwent 30 minutes of FMS therapy daily, without breaks, for seven weeks.
- Protocol: The FMS device was set to a fracture-specific program, operating at 40Hz with a 3-second work cycle and a 6-second rest cycle. The intensity was fixed at 90%.
Progress and Results
- Bone Healing: In less than three weeks from the onset of the FMS treatment, the formation of a callus in the bone was observable, indicating progressive healing.
- Return to Training: By the conclusion of the 5th week, the bone exhibited sufficient strength for the goalkeeper to recommence progressive training.
- Return to Play (RTP): In just over 8 weeks post-injury, the player made his on-field comeback.
Comparative Analysis with Similar Injuries
Historically, a 4th metacarpal bone fracture would require an average recovery time ranging from 10-12 weeks before a professional athlete could consider RTP. The following points summarize the comparative observations:
Traditional Rehabilitation: Traditional physiotherapy methods without FMS often necessitate longer rest periods and delayed commencement of physical training.
Bone Healing: Conventional treatments might take 5-7 weeks before witnessing callus formation, indicating the bone’s healing.
RTP Duration: Traditional methods typically require a minimum of 10 weeks for RTP, with some cases extending up to 12 weeks or more, depending on the severity and complications.
Conclusion
The utilization of Functional Magnetic Stimulation in the rehabilitation of a 4th metacarpal bone fracture, as demonstrated in this case study, substantially accelerated the healing process. The goalkeeper’s swift RTP, almost 2-4 weeks ahead of conventional timelines, underscores the potential benefits of FMS in bone injury rehabilitation. Further studies and broader case analyses are recommended to ascertain FMS’s efficacy across a wider range of injuries and patient profiles.
