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Have been bearing full weight while i was instructed for partal weight bearing.

Posted , 5 users are following.

adrian66025
adrian66025

I had an accident and broke my right legs tibia. It was operated and a rod was inserted. The doctor had allowed me partial weight bearing after 6 weeks but i have been walking on my own since then. What could be possible effects of that? Is it really hazardous? I am really worried because the effects could be devastating as i have been told.

0 likes, 4 replies

4 Replies

  • dan38655
    dan38655 adrian66025

    Posted

    If a bone is still broken and you are causing it to flex, the healing may be such that circulation through the bone may not be restored, leading to bone tissue necrosis.

    I'm surprised it's not painful to walk on, but depending on how much of the load is being sustained by the metal rod, the break might be immobilized up to a point.

    But I would play it safe for several weeks minimum, since the early days of healing involve therepair of blood vessels that are needed to supply nutrients the bone needs, especially while it's healing.

    If you're supposed to be using crutches, use them!

  • snapperblue
    snapperblue adrian66025

    Posted

    Ah, this brings back happy memories.  I broke my tibia long ago.  After the cast was removed, I was told to use it "as much as possible" as this helps the bone to heal.

    That summer, I dutifully climbed a mountain every weekend, despite the fact that the mending spot would feel like there was a burning brand inserted in it.  At the end of summer, I limped in to see my orthopedic surgeon and he could not quite believe it still hurt.  To test this he said "It doesn't hurt when I do this, does it?" (famous last doctor's words), sharply thumping me on the bottom of my heel.  "Yes!" I gasped, stunned by the pain. 

    "Have you been using it?" he asked sternly.

    I asssured him that I had and was taking long hikes.  

    "Stop doing that," he said, explaining that (as Dan indicated) the movement at the site of the break would tear apart the healing bone.  He also explained that tibias are very slow to heal. 

    My only ill-effect was delaying the healing.  With a rod, I would not think that the bone would be able to flex much. It may also depend on whether you are standing still or walking, and how much. But you certainly want to do whatever is necessary to allow the bone to heal properly. 

    Definitely ask your doctor.   If you really need to be on your feet, maybe there is something you can use for partial support while the bone has a chance to heal.  

    Incidentally, I don't know how you'd get a rod into the tibia, which is blocked by joints at both ends. Is this supposed to come out eventually?  

     

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