For most high school athletes, senior year is a moment they look forward to for years. For one senior boys’ basketball player from Pinson Valley, that dream was nearly taken away in an instant.
Following a serious car accident, Quay Lynch, suffered a fractured femur and was rushed to UAB Orthopaedic Trauma in the Emergency Department. Doctors initially believed it would be unlikely that he could return to the court to play his final season. The injury required significant medical care, rehabilitation, and months of physical therapy and recovery.
With the support of specialists from the UAB Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Lynch began the lengthy healing process. His treatment focused not only on healing his injury, but also on rebuilding the strength, mobility, and range of motion for his leg.
Despite the odds, his perseverance paid off. After months of hard work and guided care from UAB, Lynch surpassed expectations and was fully cleared to return to the court and play his senior season, assisting the Pinson Valley Indians during their playoff run.
In recognition of his journey, Lynch and his family were honored by UAB Sports & Exercise Medicine during the Bartow Classic basketball game, where fans had the opportunity to celebrate his remarkable story.
Stories like this highlight the expertise and dedication of UAB Sports & Exercise Medicine and the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery in caring for athletes at every level. From emergency trauma care to return-to-play guidance, our team is there when it matters most, helping athletes recover, rebuild, and return to the sports they love.