Is Jack Martin’s debut season with Gold Coast Suns over?

Big news in AFL this week was that of Gold Coast Suns new recruit, Jack Martin’s devastating injury only 5 minutes into the game against Richmond. Hailed as one of the best recruits of all time, Martin’s debut ended in disaster for the youngster with a Grade 3 Acromioclavicular (AC) joint sprain. Reports suggest he will undergo surgery, but what does that mean for the future superstar and for Gold Coast fans?

What is the AC Joint?
The AC joint is part of the shoulder where the collar bone meets with the Acromion Process, part of the shoulder blade. You can locate this on your body by following your own collar bone up towards the shoulder, it is the pointed part at the very top.

The AC joint’s function is to help with arm movement above the head, arm rotation and to transmit force from the arm to the trunk.

What does a Grade 3 Sprain mean?
A Grade 3 sprain is where both ligaments are ruptured and there is significant displacement of the joint which is a common injury seen amoung football players.

What does treatment look like for Martin and many games is he likely to miss?
Due to significant trauma associated with a Grade 3 injury such as this, and the long career we hope from Martin, surgery is the most likely option. During surgery the ligaments will be repaired and the joint brought back into alignment. Following this Martin may undertake intensive rehabilitation with a physio.

Being as young as he is, we can expect a conservative return for Martin in upwards of 3-4 months. I’d say it’s best not pick him up for your fantasy football team until the back half of the season!
 

Simon Lumb – Physiotherapist, Back In Motion Hawthorn

Image source: The Age Online