Jets’ Jeff Leonhard out for year with tibia fracture
Dr. David Geier is an orthopedic surgeon and sports medicine specialist in Charleston, South Carolina and Charlotte, North Carolina. He helps athletes and active people feel and perform their best, regardless of age, injuries and medical history. He has been featured in major media publications and shows over 2,500 times throughout his career.
ESPNNewYork.com is reporting that New York Jets’ safety Jeff Leonhard suffered a tibia fracture. He reportedly suffered a “freak collision” in today’s practice. He reportedly will undergo surgery later tonight.
Tibia fractures that are significantly displaced are almost always treated with surgery. Usually surgery involves putting a metal nail inside the bone to serve as sort of an internal splint while the bone heals. The nail allows the athlete to bear weight while it heals. Healing often takes 3-4 months, and with the time needed to return to jogging and ultimately football, Leonhard will likely be out 6 months or more. This injury will keep the Jets’ safety out for the year.
Read more about tibia fractures and the surgery to treat them, the rehabilitation, and consequences of the injury.
Through the stories of a dozen athletes whose injuries and recovery advanced the field (including Joan Benoit, Michael Jordan, Brandi Chastain, and Tommy John), Dr. Geier explains how sports medicine makes sports safer for the pros, amateurs, student-athletes, and weekend warriors alike.
