When a rare injury meets steadfast determination

As just a freshman in high school, Chris was coming off an incredibly successful fall cross-country season. He had regularly placed among the top performers during races — often one of the lone freshmen amongst all upperclassmen — and had even placed first once during the season. He had his sights set on the winter track season, which came with equally high expectations. But just two days before Christmas, while competing in the 300-meter track event at the Reggie Lewis Center in Boston, Chris’ season was cut short. In the middle of the race, he felt his hamstring go from loose to tight very quickly, culminating in a snapping sensation and a sharp pain in his leg. He fell to the track, unable to continue the race. Despite the pain and inability to run, Chris and his family didn’t think the injury was too serious — likely just a hamstring pull that would get better with rest. They went to their local doctor, who recommended that Chris give it a few weeks to rest and see if it would heal on its own. Seeking a second opinion But on the recommendation of a family friend, the Tilton family headed to Boston Children’s for a second opinion. After meeting with Dr. Benton Heyworth, an orthopedic surgeon in Boston Children’s Sports Medicine Division, they discovered that Chris’ injury wasn’t a hamstring strain. Instead, it was a pelvic-ischial tuberosity avulsion fracture, a rare type of fracture that occurs only in growing adolescents. This injury happens when the ha...
Source: Thrive, Children's Hospital Boston - Category: Pediatrics Authors: Tags: Our Patients’ Stories distance running Dr. Benton Heyworth Orthopedic Center Sports Medicine Division Source Type: news