Pickleball Injury Treatment Mistakes: Doctors at FV Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City warned athletes about the dangers of untreated sports injuries after a young pickleball player required emergency surgery for a severe ankle fracture and dislocation. The case highlighted mistakes that often lead to long-term problems if not treated properly.
Emergency After Four Hours of Play
P.D.C., a 28-year-old sports enthusiast from Ho Chi Minh City, collapsed on the pickleball court after four hours of nonstop training. He slipped, hit his ankle, and was rushed to FV Hospital.
Dr Nguyen Tuan Dinh from the Bone & Joint Centre confirmed that the patient had a complex ankle fracture-dislocation. “The ankle joint was severely damaged: the tibio-talar joint was dislocated posteriorly with a one-third fracture of the bone; all surrounding ligaments were completely torn, causing the joint to dislocate outward under a strong twisting force,” Dr Dinh explained.
The patient underwent reconstructive surgery, where Dr Nguyen Tuan Dinh used a syndesmotic suture-button fixation technique to repair the torn tibiofibular ligament. This modern method provided stable, long-lasting fixation without the need for early removal, unlike older screw fixation techniques.
The patient was prescribed physiotherapy and is expected to walk normally after at least three months. A full return to sports could take four to six months.
Risks of Misdiagnosis and Poor Recovery
Doctors at FV Hospital stressed that sports like pickleball, though seen as light, often cause serious injuries such as sprains, ligament tears, and fractures due to fast movements and sudden changes in direction.
“The ankle is made up of bones and a complex network of ligaments. While fractures can be detected on X-rays, ligament damage can only be assessed through MRI or ultrasound. If misdiagnosed, the injury may not be treated correctly, leading to chronic ankle instability and preventing patients from returning to professional-level sports,” Dr Dinh warned.
He also emphasised the role of therapy in recovery. “Physiotherapy accounts for 50% of the treatment outcome. If patients undergo surgery without performing physiotherapy correctly, adequately, and consistently, they are at high risk of joint stiffness, muscle atrophy, and incomplete joint recovery,” Dr Dinh said.
Another mistake is removing fixation devices too early. These devices can usually remain in the ankle for two to three years. Removing them too soon increases the chance of re-fracture or instability.
Importance of Specialist Care
Many patients make injuries worse by self-treating or ignoring early signs. Doctors recommend seeking medical care if pain and swelling persist for three to four weeks, or if the ankle feels unstable.
FV Hospital has become a leading centre for sports injury treatment with advanced imaging, minimally invasive surgical techniques, and a team approach to care. The hospital’s Sports Medicine Department supports both beginners and professional athletes in fitness, injury prevention, and recovery.
News in Brief: Pickleball Injury Treatment Mistakes
A 28-year-old pickleball player in Ho Chi Minh City needed emergency surgery at FV Hospital after a severe ankle fracture-dislocation. Dr Nguyen Tuan Dinh warned about common mistakes such as skipping physiotherapy, misdiagnosis, or removing fixation devices too early. The case highlights rising sports injuries and the importance of specialist care.
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