On the Rebound with Harbin Clinic Orthopedics
When you meet Damien Smith, you meet a determined, focused athlete. A Junior at Chattooga High School, Damien exhibits the talent and skillset of a basketball player much older. Playing basketball since he was five years old, he has mastered precision in his execution and speed on the court. He’s also one of the most supportive team players you’ll ever meet. But when he suffered a hand injury during practice last year, he knew he would need to apply that same determination he shows on the court to his healing and recovery.
Damien went to the Harbin Clinic Hand Center and saw Orthopedic Hand and Upper Extremity Surgeon Dr. Jarrad Barber, where he learned he suffered a metacarpal fracture that would force him to sit out upcoming games. However, Dr. Barber assured him that he could help him get back in the game. Damien eagerly shared that he wanted to put in the work to heal quickly and finish the season alongside his teammates.
Dr. Barber performed an intramedullary nailing, an operative procedure to stabilize the fracture in Damien’s hand. This minimally invasive procedure allows earlier return to sport in patients who are looking to minimize recovery time, such as Damien.
“One of the benefits of this procedure is the earlier return to activities. With regularly scheduled hand therapy and a lot of hard work, Damien was able to return to basketball sooner,” said Dr. Barber. “This technique allows roughly a month earlier return to sport from the typical 6 to 8-week recovery time for similar injuries.”
After Damien saw Dr. Barber for his initial procedure, he attended regular sessions with hand therapists at the Harbin Clinic Hand Center to improve mobility and functionality.
Not only did Dr. Barber help Damien finish out his season, but he also played an active role in his recovery. The Chattooga High School athletic trainer shared that they worked with Dr. Barber weekly, sending him photos and videos of Damien’s hand once he was able to practice.
Dr. Barber wanted to make sure Damien was completely healed before playing his first game. As the team prepared for one of their most challenging games of the season, Damien was eager to get back to his team. He received the all-clear from Dr. Barber, and not only did Damien get to play alongside his teammates, but he was also the driving force in winning the game.
“The goal is to get our patients back to living and enjoying their life,” explained Dr. Barber. “It is our privilege to have been a part of Damien’s comeback story, and it’s great to see him back on the court doing what he loves.”
Whether you experience a sudden injury or develop it over time, the orthopedic surgeons at Harbin Clinic Orthopedics and the Harbin Clinic Hand Center are equipped and ready to get you back in motion.
