The image, of rare violence, chilled the stands of BC Stadium in Vancouver as well as the television viewers with fear.
In the 51st minute of the match between Canada and Qatar, 24-year-old Canadian midfielder Ismaël Koné collapsed to the ground after a particularly harsh tackle from Assim Madibo.
Eyes bulging with pain and immediate awareness of the seriousness of the situation, the former Olympique de Marseille player saw his left leg literally bend inwards.
Faced with the crack audible from the edge of the field, the trainers rushed to evacuate the player under oxygen assistance. The medical verdict, relayed by journalist Fabrizio Romano, is final. The player suffered a double tibia-fibula fracture, putting a definitive end to his World Cup.
What is a double tibia-fibula fracture?
This serious injury corresponds to the simultaneous rupture of the two bones of the leg. According to Dr. Vincent Sabatier, orthopedic surgeon and traumatologist consulted by True Medicalit is a “relatively common fracture in rather high-energy trauma“.
In the case of a footballer, the kinetic impact combined with the speed of running and the locking of the foot into the turf creates massive twisting or shearing forces, capable of shattering the strongest bony structures of the lower limb.
Be careful, the images in the video may shock the most sensitive Internet users.
The risks and immediate complications of this trauma
Beyond the fracture visible to the naked eye, the medical emergency lies in the evaluation of the surrounding tissues which can transform this injury into a life-threatening emergency for the leg.
“There are risks of serious immediate complications, such as skin opening, compartment syndrome…”
notes the surgeon.
The skin opening would thus expose the bone to bacterial infections. Whereas compartment syndrome – an increase in internal pressure in the leg that compresses blood vessels and nerves – requires immediate reduction or surgery to avoid irreversible after-effects.
The surgical strategy to reconstruct the leg
Subsequently, Ismaël Koné was immediately taken care of by the surgical teams after his evacuation on a stretcher.
Dr Vincent Sabatier explains that urgent treatment is necessary.
“It is essential to intervene quickly to align the fracture initially. Then to perform surgery to install equipment which can vary depending on the type of fracture and the complications. This can range from the tibia nail to plates or an external fixator in certain cases”
he lists.
The primary objective is to restore the anatomical axis of the leg. But also to mechanically stabilize the fracture site to allow optimal consolidation.
The long road to rehabilitation for high-level athletes
Once the operation is successful, a long-distance race against muscle atrophy and joint stiffness begins. Contrary to popular belief, prolonged immobilization is no longer appropriate.
“Rehabilitation must be started quickly, early resumption of weight bearing is possible in the majority of cases“, underlines the surgeon.
However, returning to the professional level requires time and immense sacrifices.
Dr. Sabatier believes that it is necessary to count “4 to 6 months for resumption of training, then a gradual return to competition, rather within 6 to 9 months“. He also reminds that the rehabilitation will be daily, long and difficult. “It’s a real test for a high-level athlete but also for ‘normal’ people with the upheaval of everyday life, the pain, the sacrifices, etc.”
In short, if Ismaël Koné’s destiny changes dramatically in the middle of the World Cup, the horizon is not completely gloomy for the rest of his career. “The objective for him is to regain his full capacity, subject to the severity of the initial lesion and possible complications. adds our expert.
To reassure the player’s supporters, Dr Vincent Sabatier even concludes on a note of optimism: “This should not compromise his career, we have the example of Djibril Cissé at the time“. With a mind of steel and first-rate medical support, the young midfielder has every chance to once again set foot on the pitches of Serie A.