Scott Ettin

During the Fall of 2014, I experienced a left proximal tibial stress fracture. I took on too high a volume of physical activity, running multiple half marathons, completing multiple Olympic-distance triathlons (including the Escape From Alcatraz) and my first half-Ironman triathlon. Having successfully raced all year, I began training for the NYC Marathon when my left leg snapped.

I knew I was in bad shape but it wasn't until I was under the watchful eye and astute care of Dr. Dean Lorich did I learn how bad my situation truly was. After multiple x-rays, CAT scans and MRIs, he was convinced that surgery was in order. He was going to have to join the fracture site with a metal plate and screw my leg back together.

However, his team discussed my case as they could not reason how someone as fit I was could undergo such a traumatic fracture where I did.

The tests showed pronounced bone regeneration at an expedited rate. The decision was made not to operate and to let my bone heal on its own. The procedure? Stay off the leg for a solid 12 weeks and let my body repair itself. This was one instance whereby an invasive procedure was not required.

I followed the doctor's orders to the letter and was walking again by the end of January. Physical therapy followed with rehab during the summer months.

I just completed the Mighty Hamptons Triathlon on the 20th of September, swimming 1 mile, riding 25 on the bike and running 6.5 miles on hard pavement, feeling strong the entire time. My time was only 10 minutes slower than a year ago.

Additional thanks must be given to both Polly de Mille for working with me to rehabilitate my body and my sports dietitian for guiding me to eat properly to maintain a healthy body.

July 13, 2023:

I am beyond grateful to be under the watchful eyes of both Dr. James Kinderknecht and Dr. Alana Serota. After taking a spill on the 1st Avenue bike lane in the summer of 2022, I suffered a hairline fracture in my pelvis. I had to stop my marathon training for the season and let my body heal. Following Dr. Kinderknecht's stern counsel, Dr. Serota ran tests to get a sense of my metabolic makeup, to ensure that I was feeding my body (& especially my bones) what they needed to heal and stay strong.

Fast forward to the spring of 2023 and I was able to begin a strength training program specifically tailored for my body and my injury history. Mathew Welch and Stephen Ranellone are excellent strength rehabilitation coaches and I cannot be more grateful for working with them. They both helped me get to a level of fitness I did not think was possible. I ran the Brooklyn Half Marathon then a few weeks later, jumped off a perfectly fine boat in San Francisco Bay and swam 1.5 miles across as I began the Escape From Alcatraz triathlon.

Following their regimen, I'll run the full NYC Marathon with a body that's conditioned and well balanced to take on the challenges that all five boroughs have to offer.