Tuesday, January 24, 2012

Gronkowski Expected to Play in Super Bowl


The New England Patriots’ victory on Sunday over the Baltimore Ravens sends the Pats to the Super Bowl, but a scary moment came in the third quarter when tight end Rob Gronkowski went down with what looked like a serious injury.  After catching a short pass, Gronkowski was tackled and had his left ankle trampled in the process.  The injury looked bad at first, and Gronkowski was helped off the field.  He later returned to the game in the fourth quarter, but was seen wearing a boot after the game.

The Boston Herald is reporting that Gronkowski’s ankle is “fine”, and that he’ll be ready to play in two weeks when the Patriots take on the New York Giants in the Super Bowl.  This news comes as a relief to Patriots fans everywhere.

Ankle injuries in football and other sports are a common occurrence.  The anatomy of the ankle is such that a number of different structures may be injured following trauma to the ankle.  The most common types of injuries are sprains of the lateral ankle ligaments.  These include the anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL), calcaneofibular ligament (CFL), and the posterior talofibular ligament (PTFL).  The medial ankle ligaments include the superficial and deep deltoid ligaments, which are less commonly affected by rotational ankle injuries. 

Fractures of the ankle can also occur, including fractures of the lateral malleolus (outside ankle bone), and the medial malleolus (inside ankle bone).  The talus, which sits between these two structures in the ankle joint, can also be affected.  Most commonly, the talus may have an osteochondral lesion, which is a chip in the joint surface. 

High ankle sprains are injuries to the syndesmosis of the ankle, and can be very slow healing injuries that are prone to complications.  These can be quite severe injuries, and may be associated with the development of long-term instability of the ankle.

A number of tendons cross the ankle joint, and can also become damaged in an injury.  Most notably, the peroneal tendons, which run along the outside of the ankle, may become strained or even dislocated in a rotational-type of injury. 

Fractures of some of the bones of the foot may also be seen in rotational-type ankle injuries, including the fifth metatarsal, the cuboid, the navicular, and the anterior process of the calcaneus.  A thorough work-up with x-rays is almost always warranted. 

While it is not clear what anatomic structures Rob Gronkowski’s injury involves, it is good news that the medical staff is anticipating his return for the Super Bowl.  He is certainly a major asset to the Patriots, and plays a vital role in their offense.  


Central Florida Foot and Ankle Center, LLC. 
101 6TH St. NW. Winter Haven, Fl. 33881 
863-299-4551 
www.FLFootandAnkle.com

Central Florida Foot and Ankle Center