Local Triathlete Recovers After Devastating Bike Accident
Jerry Lambert, 57, of Dunwoody, Georgia, is a regular competitor in triathlons across the southeast. Not much holds him back from his active lifestyle, thanks to the care of Resurgens’ physicians and overseeing injuries over the years. Even after recovering from a broken clavicle, Lambert resumed competing in triathlons just months after surgery.
During a morning bike ride in the spring of 2014, on a trail near Amelia Island, Florida, Lambert was in a serious biking accident involving a collision with another biker on the trail. After x-rays taken at the local hospital revealed a severe fracture of his clavicle, doctors urged Lambert to see a specialist as soon as possible. Having suffered sports injuries in the past, he knew whom to call once he arrived back in Atlanta.
Just a few days later, Lambert made his way into Resurgens St. Joseph’s office to see Dr. Evander Fogle.
“He told me it was one of the worst breaks he had ever seen,” said Lambert of Dr. Fogle’s physical assessment.
Dr. Fogle discussed Lamberts non-operative and operative options for management of his injury. Together, they decided that an ORIF (Open Reduction Internal Fixation) on his left clavicle was best way to get Lambert back to swimming, running, and biking again. Dr. Fogle performed a successful repair on Lambert’s clavicle fracture less than a week later and set him steadily on the road to recovery.
“After the surgery, it continued to be difficult for me for a while,” said Lambert. “But every time I would see Dr. Fogle he would be so upbeat and encouraging, always focusing on my progress. That really helped me get through the hard times.”
"Every time I would see Dr. Fogle he would be so upbeat and encouraging, always focusing on my progress."
Sure enough, the encouragement from Dr. Fogle and hard work at physical therapy by Lambert soon paid off. He not only went on to fully recover from the break, but since the surgery, Lambert has participated in three triathlons, placing second and third in his age group for two of those races.
“For me, the most important thing was recovering as quickly as possible and getting back into my physical routine,” said Lambert. “I’m just happy to be back to that routine.”
Prior to competing in triathlons, Lambert had spent years long-distance running recreationally and competitively. Lambert began exhibiting signs of patellofemoral pain syndrome, more commonly known as runner’s knee. After visiting Resurgens for a consultation, Lambert decided to move toward a more diverse training regimen to avoid worsening his condition.
By spring 2013, Lambert had become fully dedicated to his new, cross-disciplinary physical routine of regular running, swimming, and biking.
“It is important to remember that cross training helps to prevent over-use injuries in recreational and competitive athletes of all ages,” said Dr. Fogle. “Mr. Lambert is a perfect example of someone who has taken our advice to heart and has great rewards to show for it.”
Dr. Evander F. Fogle graduated from Stanford University, thereafter receiving his medical degree from Vanderbilt University School of Medicine. He completed his residency at Emory University Hospital and a fellowship in shoulder and elbow surgery at the University of Southern California. Dr. Fogle’s areas of expertise include arthroscopy, sports medicine, shoulder and elbow surgery, knee surgery, and general orthopaedics. He is board-certified by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery with an additional subspecialty certification in Orthopaedic Sports Medicine. Dr. Fogle is a member of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, Society of Military Orthopaedic Surgeons, Kelly Orthopaedic Society, and Stanford Alumni Association. Dr. Fogle is a happy husband of an infertility specialist, Dr. Robin Fogle, and father to three particularly active young boys.