Firstly, it’s extremely sad to hear about the horrific accident involving Tiger Woods. We hope he remains well and recovers from his injuries and surgery.

What we know

Tiger woods has suffered a ‘comminuted’ open fracture to his right leg. This is a severe injury. Comminuted means that the tibia and fibula are fractured into multiple pieces, and an open fracture is one where the bone is exposed and protruding through the overlying skin. We don't have any information regarding whether he has injured the major blood vessels or nerves in his right leg.

We do know that he has had surgery to stabilise the tibia with a "rod" also known as an intra-medullary nail. This helps to maintain the length and correct rotation of the bone, whilst the healing process takes place. He has also had a procedure known as a ''fasciotomy" to address "compartment syndrome". This is an emergency operation where incisions are made in the skin and the tissues overlying the muscles called the fascia, to relieve the increasing pressure in the lower leg. This is a limb saving operation, and highlights the severity of the injury.

Recovery

Everyone wants to see Tiger return to golf and full health, but this is a very serious injury. He will require further surgery to close the fasciotomy wounds over the next couple of weeks. If he has had compartment syndrome, then he may have sustained irreversible damage to his leg muscles, blood vessels or nerves. We don't have this information, but hopefully this won't be the case.

The recovery from this type of injury depends on the severity of injury to the bone. The fractures may take up to a year to heal, but sometimes they don't heal (non-union) and further surgery is required. The patient journey can be long and painful, with a low recovery. If all heals well, he may be back in training in 12 to 24 months. If there are any problems with bone healing or infection, this would sadly be the end of his career.

Bones will potentially heal, but will he get his strength back to an elite level?

Tiger is 45, but before his crash he appeared a fit and well athlete, with access to the best healthcare and rehabilitation. He’s fought back before from significant back injuries and surgery, so if he doesn't suffer any complications or set-backs with his further procedures, there is a small chance that he could have enough reserve fitness to return to golf. Will he ever hit the previous highs? I'm afraid that looks very unlikely.