#WhyFrye – Chase Ingram

Back on the Sidelines: Young Athlete Finds Expert Care After Football Injury

For Alexander Central High School freshman Chase Ingram, his first high school football season ended almost as soon as it began.

During a tackling drill at practice, a teammate’s helmet struck Chase in the right side of his chest. He immediately felt and heard a pop near his collarbone.

“I think I broke my collarbone,” Chase said.

He was right.

Chase reported the injury to his athletic trainer, who quickly coordinated his care. The injury occurred Wednesday evening, Aug. 12, and arrangements were already underway for him to be evaluated the next morning.

Chase’s experience reflects the coordinated approach to sports medicine care available through FryeCare’s partnerships with local schools and athletic trainers. Working together, the athletic trainer and FryeCare team were able to quickly connect Chase with the appropriate specialists, helping ensure he received timely evaluation, treatment and a clear plan for recovery.

“As a parent, I was impressed by how quickly everything came together,” said Chase’s mother, Heather Ingram. “Chase was injured Wednesday evening, and before we even left the school parking lot, I received a call to schedule his appointment for the next morning. The office staff were also incredibly kind and helpful throughout the process. From that first appointment through surgery and follow-up, everything was explained clearly, and we felt confident Chase was getting the care he needed.”

That evaluation quickly provided answers and a path forward.

X-rays confirmed a complex clavicle fracture, and Chase was referred to Reid Russell, DO, an orthopedic surgeon and sports medicine specialist with FryeCare Orthopedics and Neurosurgery. Because the bone had broken into multiple pieces and shifted out of place, Dr. Russell explained that surgery offered the best opportunity for proper healing and a successful recovery.

After discussing his options, Chase was ready to move forward.

“If I have to have surgery, let’s get it done,” he recalled.

On August 18, Dr. Russell repaired Chase’s clavicle, carefully realigning the fractured bone and securing it with a plate. Just two days later, Chase was back with his teammates. Although he wasn’t on the field, he was standing on the sidelines supporting his team during its first game of the season.

Although he will miss the remainder of football season, Chase has already begun rehabilitation with his athletic trainer. Working alongside his care team, he is focused on rebuilding strength, restoring mobility and safely returning to the activities he enjoys.

Throughout the experience, Chase said the coordinated care he received from his athletic trainer, Dr. Russell, and sports medicine physician Michael Simhachalam, MD (Dr. Sim), helped ease his concerns and gave him confidence in his recovery.

“Dr. Russell did an awesome job and made me feel very comfortable,” Chase said. “I felt better once I was reassured that nothing was messed up besides my collarbone.”

The experience left such a positive impression that Chase has already recommended Dr. Russell to a friend.

For Chase, getting back in the game now means trusting the recovery process, putting in the work and returning stronger than before.

From injury evaluation and surgical treatment to rehabilitation and return-to-play planning, Chase’s experience highlights the comprehensive sports medicine care available close to home through FryeCare Orthopedics and Neurosurgery and its partnerships with local athletic programs.

To learn more or schedule an appointment with FryeCare Orthopedics and Neurosurgery, call 828.304.2527.

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