Our Orthopedic Patients Say It Best

Jan 20, 2020 Reporting from Niles, MI

Surgery Helps Athlete Recover Big Dreams - Abby Hall

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Jan 20, 2020

Jan 20, 2020

SpectrumHealth Lakeland

For Abby Hall of St. Joseph, soccer isn’t a one-season sport. It’s a way of life. At a young age, she stepped onto the field and never looked back. Now, as a high school student, Abby works hard on and off the field as a student athlete. She plays so

Surgery Helps Athlete Recover Big Dreams - Abby Hall

SpectrumHealth Lakeland

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Surgery Helps Athlete Recover Big Dreams - Abby Hall

Jan, 2020

Physicians: Daniel Sohn, MD

For Abby Hall of St. Joseph, soccer isn’t a one-season sport. It’s a way of life. At a young age, she stepped onto the field and never looked back. Now, as a high school student, Abby works hard on and off the field as a student athlete. She plays soccer year round for several clubs in the Premier, regional, and national league and even participated in the Olympic development program when she was younger.

But her dream of one day playing college soccer was recently jeopardized due to a serious injury.

Abby and her mom Kirsten had traveled to Kentucky for a three-day college soccer showcase. During her first sixty seconds on the field, Abby jumped to head the ball and landed awkwardly on her left ankle. At that moment, even the goalkeeper standing twenty yards away heard an audible snap.

Kirsten immediately took Abby to a nearby emergency department where initial x-rays showed she had broken her fibula, a small bone in the lower leg. After being stabilized, Abby traveled home and her mom immediately scheduled an appointment with sports medicine physician Daniel Sohn, MD.  

First surgery, first rate experience

During her initial appointment, Dr. Sohn confirmed the broken fibula and discussed next steps with Abby and her mom. Knowing that Abby wanted to return to the soccer field, he recommended open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) surgery to reposition the bone. Then he would use a plate and six screws to help the bone heal properly and reinforce it so her leg would be stronger in the future.

“Dr. Sohn was great about explaining the procedure and rehabilitation afterward,” said Abby. “He told me what would happen and what to expect.”

On the day of surgery, Abby and her parents also appreciated the level of communication and care they received from the nursing staff at the hospital.

“This was Abby’s first major injury, first surgery, even her first IV,” said Abby’s mom, Kirsten. “In the hospital, the nurses were very understanding of that and treated her carefully and gently. They took their time and explained things as they did them, which Abby appreciated.”

The surgery was successful, and Abby went home the same day to begin recovery.

Stronger than ever

As she returns to full strength, Abby balances her academic and athletic goals with a busy high school schedule. She is also being recruited by a handful of college coaches.

Abby says that she has come to terms with the injury and is ready to complete rehabilitation and return to the field to compete harder and stronger than ever before. Part of that resolve is in thanks to Dr. Sohn and his team for their care and support.

“Dr. Sohn is the best,” said Abby. “He knows what he does so well, and I trust him.”

Orthopedic surgeons are specially trained to help patients manage certain conditions, relieve pain, restore mobility and independence, or return to work and other daily activities. Click here to find an orthopedic surgeon near you or call 888.313.9167