cheers for the reply, i suppose this is quite an early stage in the rehabilitation of this condition. do you think the repair would accomodate a return to normal activity?

the fixation was with k-wires and no bone graft was undertaken and the patient is 21 years old and a keen rugby player.

from literature searches and speaking with a collegue who has treated one it apppears that OA of the intertaral bones is a common complication, and many athletes are unable to continue playing after such an injury. i've also been advised not to mobilise around the fracture site (i did actually do this for one session!) and to use cupping to facilitate movement of the scars.

aside from this i am advising on strengthening the affected leg, pelvis and trunk which are all very wasted in addition to measuing functional activities such as distance walked without pain etc.

i think the scan is a good idea, though as he has had no rehabilitation or advise up to now i think i will try reactivation initially and take up this option if/when he reaches a plateaux.

thanks again...

tomc90