Doctors weigh in on Texans center Nick Martin's high-ankle sprain

As Texans rookie center Nick Martin contemplates his medical options, including potentially undergoing surgery to repair a high-ankle sprain, doctors weighed in on what's involved in the injury suffered by the second-round draft pick from Notre Dame.

The Chronicle spoke with Dr. Ken Jung, a foot and ankle surgeon at Kerlan-Jobe Orthopaedic Clinic in Los Angeles, and Dr. Luga Podesta, the director of sports medicine at St. Charles Orthopedics in New York.

What is a high-ankle sprain specifically?

"It refers to a complex of ligaments, called the syndesmosis, that are located higher on the ankle than ligaments that are most commonly sprained with twisting injuries of the ankle," Jung said. "These ligaments stabilize the bones of the lower leg, tibia and fibula."

What type of surgery would Nick Martin possibly undergo?

"As these ligaments stabilize the tibia and fibula, surgery would be indicated if the bones are determined to be unstable," Jung said. "Typically, the bones would be fixed in a stable position with hardware, which may include plates, screws, or suture."

What's the chances this is a season-ending injury?

"If surgery is performed, it would be expected to be a season-ending injury," Jung said.

What type of treatment would be an alternate to surgery?

"Treatment will depend on ankle joint stability and weight bearing," Podesta said. "Other treatment options could include conservative care such as boot immobilization, non-weight-bearing for a period of time, ankle bracing followed by extensive physical therapy and strengthening. Biologic cell-based therapies such as PRP or PRP and bone marrow concentrate (stem cells) have also helped with healing the ligament in some cases."

What's the time table for a surgery versus rehab?

"This will depend on the severity of the injury," Podesta said. "If there is a severe ligament injury or significant instability, surgery is indicated sooner. It is also felt that surgery will provide a stronger and more complete healing of the ligament stabilize the ankle. Conservative treatment could require several months of therapy before the athlete is able to return to full sports."

Rookie Nick Martin (66) has been impressive out of the blocks for the Texans and has latched on to the starting center position. "He's a very bright player," coach Bill O'Brien said. Rookie Nick Martin (66) has been impressive out of the blocks for the Texans and has latched on to the starting center position. "He's a very bright player," coach Bill O'Brien said. Photo: Brett Coomer, Staff Photo: Brett Coomer, Staff Image 1 of / 11 Caption Close Doctors weigh in on Texans center Nick Martin's high-ankle sprain 1 / 11 Back to Gallery

Why would he need surgery if there's no broken bones?

"To repair or reconstruct the torn ligament and stabilize the ankle attempting to returning the athlete back sooner," Podesta said.

What's the chances this is a season-ending injury?

"There is a chance that this injury could be season-ending depending on the mode of treatment, and the athletes ability to rehabilitate after surgery," Podesta said. "Several months of rehab are typical to treat this injury conservatively."