Dwyer improving, but still not quite there

In IWU's second game of the season last year, November 18 at UW-Whitewater, point-guard Sean Dwyer suffered a Jones Fracture in his right foot. The Jones Fracture is the worst type of break in the foot because of the extremely poor blood supply in that part of the 5th metatarsal. Sean had a surgery on the 5th metatarsal at which time a screw was placed in the foot.

Then in January, back from the injury and practicing, he suffered a Jones Fracture in his left 5th metatarsal. Doctors believe he was favoring the left foot because of the previous injury to the right. Sean had another surgery immediately after the injury and had another screw placed in that foot.

In April, he got X Rays on both feet. The left foot (second surgery) was completely healed. The right foot (first surgery), however, was not healed at all. There was a major non-union in the 5th metatarsal. As a result, in April Sean had a second surgery on the right 5th metatarsal. This time he had a bone graft -- Dr. Dustman took bone out of his right hip and put it in the right 5th metatarsal. In addition, he replaced the right screw because the original was loose.

The Illinois Wesleyan sophomore is still recovering from that April 2007 surgery. Following the procedure, he was in a cast for 8 weeks and then in a walking boot for 8 weeks. Not exactly a great look for the summer months. The main treatments are a bone stimulator and just good old fashioned rest. Sean hase been doing some strengthening exercises in the right foot/ankle so when he is able to get back, it is strong enough to play.

Sean recieved good news on October 18th after a CT scan. The progress looks good and there is just one area that is still not completly healed. Doctors estimate that it should be healed within the next 3-4 weeks and note that these next two weeks are very crucial -- Sean has to be very cautious. He is able to particpate in about half of the drills that the Titans do, but he cannot do anything where he would have to cut hard.

He goes back to the doctor in 4 weeks for an evaluation -- it's possible the foot will be fully healed by then. It sounds like a realistic goal is for him to ready to play during the California trip (between Christmas and New Years). He is working hard and it will be nice, for his sake, to see him on the floor in a Titan uniform.