Misdiagnosed Lisfranc fracture
Posted , 2 users are following.
Having fallen down 5 steps while working as a district nurse, and being in horrific pain, I was sent for an xray- which was normal - and so diagnosed as a ´simple sprain'. Two weeks later, still unable to even attempt weighbearing, and having done some research, I dared suggest to my doctor- a lisfranc injury. Surprisingly, on looking again, he agreed and sent me to see the first 'orthopaedic specialist', who, after 2 minutes and no examination and no further investigations dismissed this. A month after my fall I was suppose to start physiotherpy, but he refused to touch my foot- saying I had a lisfranc injury! Now falling on Christmas, and everyone on holiday, it was the beginning of January - 6 weeks after fall and just able to weighbear with a hobble, I saw the second 'orthopaedic specialist'- he was very busy and made a snap diagnosis- a hidden fracture of the second metatarsal!!! Noooooo- I knew straight away it wasn't that- although tender, it was not where the 'pain' was'. However he did ask for a scan- so some progess- but in 2 weeks time! I was now so angry I decided to go and see a 'foot specialist (2 hrs drive away) and having looked at my xray, and fully examining my foot- he confirmed a Lisfranc injury. Infact although he was correct, it was a lisfranc rupture and two fractures of the medial cuneiform and the scaphoide. He was clearly angry at the delay ( although no one is taking responsibilty!) and I am waiting for an operation on the 3/2. I am concerned though because he wants to put in two screws- but is concerned it might not work because of the delay. I am really concerned I might get to the end of 6 weeks non weightbearing, to find he will has to start again. I have spoken to him, but he insists he at least tries, because the other operation to put in fusion plates is a much bigger operation. I live in France, so it is not a money issue- any comments from anybody who has had similar experiences.
0 likes, 3 replies
sabrina_94014 karen85240
Posted
I'm in similar situation Karen, I fell down a step at work in April I went to a&e three times and was told I had a sprain, 6 months later had an mri and had an avulsion fracture and torn atfl and CFL, put in a cast which done nothing, kept telling surgeon that I could hear and feel a snapping noise, went back to surgeon this week and he finally felt it and now has me hooked on for stabilisation of the peroneal tendon, I can barely walk my good leg now has fluid in the knee from over compensating, I am worried I will never be normal again, it's ruined my life and I feel left down that no one believed me
karen85240 sabrina_94014
Posted
It is so frustrating Sabrina. As a nurse I am working closely with many of the doctors that I feel have now let me down, and sadly I have lost respect for them. I am self employed and have not worked or driven for 9 weeks, and now the problem has been found, none of them will take responsibility! After nine weeks I still can not properly weight bear- it does not take a genius to realise there is a problem! Worse still they have been so dismissive to the point of suggesting I have 'lost it' a bit! As you say, the compensating leg is now suffering- mind is suffering at the hip. After my operation it will need to take on even more stress, and I am concerned if my hip can take it. When us you operation booked for? Good luck with it.
sabrina_94014 karen85240
Posted
My surgery is booked for the 1st of March my surgeon is on holiday for five weeks and he is the only ankle guy in a 60 mile radius that my insurance covers, I don't know how I will wait so long I am in so much pain, I am still working and driving when have to put could cry with the pain, I am getting fluid drained from the good leg tomoro I am using crutches to walk around, I am 39 with RA 12 years and it is flaring up now I really don't know how I will cope with a surgery, this accident has ruined my life, I am going to be out of work with no pay even though it happened in work they won't pay me, I am at my wits end