A Comprehensive Nonoperative Rehabilitation Program Including Blood Flow Restriction for a Talus Fracture in a Professional Hockey Player: A Case Report

Abstract

A 22-year-old male professional hockey player sustained a nondisplaced talus fracture. We present a comprehensive nonsurgical rehabilitation that includes blood flow restriction (BFR) training. Pain and function measures improved throughout the rehabilitation. Lower limb circumference did not change postinjury. The patient returned to play in less than 7 weeks, while current talar fracture management protocols indicate surgical fixation and 6 weeks of immobilization. BFR training may be useful in injury rehabilitation, negating muscle atrophy and increasing muscle strength while allowing the patient to exercise at relatively low loads. This is the first case of BFR training implemented in early fracture rehabilitation of an athlete.