David Chao, MD
2 min read • November 14, 2023
Posted in
Minnesota Vikings linebacker Jordan Hicks underwent a medical procedure Sunday night and remained hospitalized on Monday after developing compartment syndrome in his right leg following the team's 27-19 victory over the Saints.
It is uncertain when he will be discharged, but the team has already ruled him out for their upcoming Sunday night game against the Denver Broncos.
Hicks sustained the injury in the first quarter when he collided with teammate Cam Bynum during a tackle. Despite returning to play an additional 23 snaps later in the game, as reported by ESPN, he was eventually ruled out in the third quarter due to what the team described as a shin contusion.
Following the game, Hicks' right leg experienced significant swelling in the locker room, prompting the team's medical staff to send him to the hospital.
According to the Pro Football Docs, the shin or tibia is partitioned into four compartments. A forceful impact, such as a kick, can result in the formation of a hematoma—accumulation of blood. The confined space may intensify the collection of blood due to arterial flow, creating a high-pressure scenario.
In these instances, pronounced swelling can impact surrounding nerves and circulation, resulting in a loss of sensation in the affected area. Surgeons, to alleviate pressure and prevent complications, may choose to release or make incisions in the fascia, enabling the expansion of muscle tissue.
In his second season with the Vikings, Jordan Hicks has amassed 87 total tackles. Hicks, who previously played for the Philadelphia Eagles and Arizona Cardinals, finds himself in the final year of a two-year, $10 million deal with the Vikings.
Despite the seriousness of the injury, compartment syndrome typically does not lead to a season-ending setback. Athletes undergoing surgery for this condition commonly miss multiple weeks of play, as exemplified by Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman in 2020.
In 2020, Pittman, dealing with the lower left injury, missed three games.
Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Tyler Lockett avoided surgery when he encountered a similar injury in 2019, thanks to a well-timed bye week that granted him a crucial week of recovery, enabling him to resume play without missing a game.
Compartment syndrome is recognized as a genuine medical emergency in orthopedics. The pressure resulting from bleeding within the confined space of the affected compartment can disrupt blood flow and, if left unattended, potentially lead to the death of muscle tissue. Surgical intervention is typically a straightforward procedure, with a subsequent follow-up to close the incisions once the swelling subsides.
It is expected that Jordan Hicks will be placed on short-term injured reserve, with a potential return to action in December. In most instances, only a single compartment is affected, allowing for a relatively swift recovery. This contrasts sharply with former quarterback Alex Smith's severe leg fracture, involving all compartments and entailing a much more intricate rehabilitation process.
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Written by David Chao, MD
