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2nd 3rd 4th metatarsals fractured and 3 weeks later was admitted

Posted , 3 users are following.

siobhan15506
siobhan15506

Hi

I broke my 2nd 3rd and 4th metatarsal 3 weeks ago, I had an x-ray and got a full plaster cast, for the 3 weeks i kept my leg up as instructed and beared no weight. For my check up i had another x-ray and this one showed more damage and i had to be admitted. I got a new cast with an air pump because I still have so much swelling and the pump helps with the swelling i was told.

I had a CT scan, the consultant looked at it and sent it to an ankle specialist in another hospital and may need surgery.

I am a bit uneasy about the whole thing, can anyone share if they had the same situation.

Thanks

Siobhán

0 likes, 9 replies

9 Replies

  • susan69134
    susan69134 siobhan15506

    Posted

    Hi Siobhan,

    I broke my ankle and 5th metatarsal, a week later after new x-rays was told the 5th metatarsal break had opened up and they wanted a surgeon to look at it. A few days later the surgeon confirmed the gap was too large to heal on it's own and as the area had apoor blood supply it was going to take a long time to heal, so he wanted to put a screw in it asap. Had it done a few days later, put in a temp plaster for a week, stitches out then five weeks in a cast non weight bearing, eight weeks in a boot.

    I'm now week eighteen, been having physio for seven weeks and still using one crutch. X-rays this week show both fractures have good union but still haven't fully healed. I'm to go back in three months, carry on with physio and fully weight bear more to encourage more bone growth.

    I know Drs like to let fractures heal conservatively whenever possible, so if surgery is recommended, they have a good reason for it. Have to say because they use a nerve block, first time ever I woke up from surgery in no pain what so ever.

    Mine is taking so long simply because of where they are, hopefully you're will heal quicker.

    • siobhan15506
      siobhan15506 susan69134

      Posted

      Thanks for your reply susan,

      The doctor was just in with me and said more or less the same as yesterday, she did say the surgeon wants to see the scan before he see's me so im wondering what does that mean. I guess i have too much time to think here..

      I'll just have to wait untill tomorrow.

      Thanks again

      Siobhán smile

    • siobhan15506
      siobhan15506

      Posted

      Sorry Susan, I ment to add i hope you have a speedy recovery yourself. smile
    • susan69134
      susan69134 siobhan15506

      Posted

      Fractures in the metatarsals and in the feet as a whole are often hard to see on a normal x-rays, the scan will show everything in better detail. The surgeon will want to see the scan first before deciding what to do next.

      I took the view that being offered to op early was better then waiting 6-10 weeks then finding I needed the op.

      Good luck with it, let me know what they/you decide.

      Sue

    • siobhan15506
      siobhan15506 susan69134

      Posted

      So the results of my CT came back, along with the broken metatarsals I have very bad sprained ligaments, i was told they dont think it needs surgery but i am now non weight bearing for 3 months!!!

      I was let home but i have to back for an x-ray thursday and speek to the ankle specialist.

      I have an awful feeling i still may need surgery, i dunno maybe im over thinking everything.

      Siobhán

    • susan69134
      susan69134 siobhan15506

      Posted

      Surgery isn't so bad, it's the waiting to find out that does your head in. Once it was decided I needed surgery I couldn't believe the speed at which they got it sorted. I was scheduled for the following week, same day as my husband was due to have surgery. Then the surgeon realised he was doing the emergency cover on the Friday so he put me on the list, with a note to say it couldn't be cancelled. I even went home the same day!!
  • Luchie
    Luchie siobhan15506

    Posted

    If you will be non weight bearing that long, you might consider purchasing a Knee Walker, they sure are helpful.
  • siobhan15506
    siobhan15506

    Posted

    so had my check up. I'm in a non weight bearing cast for 6 weeks so that's not as bad as the 3 months as 1st told. My bones aren't joining yet so ill know after my 6 week x-ray if i need pins or not.

    The reason i have sharp stabbing pain now is because the swelling is gone down and the ligaments and tendons are badly sprained.

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