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Partially displaced metatarsal fracture, given conflicting medical advice -- surgery needed?

Posted , 2 users are following.

vassarkat
vassarkat

I broke my foot about 5 days ago and have gotten differing medical advice and don't trust the surgeon I was sent to. 

I have: "an acute, closed, oblique fracture of the left fifth metatarsal shaft at the junction of the middle and distal third with 1/4 shaft width medial displacement of the distal fracture fragment".

The hospital ortho cautioned me severely about walking on it, lest it get more displaced. Was also told that this fracture typically only heals with surgery. 

Then, saw a (general) ortho surgeon, who told me to walk on it ASAP, regular shoe as soon as I can tolerate. However, he also gave me a knee scooter and a handicapped permit good for 3 months, renewable if needed. Said in 46 years he's never had to do surgery on this bone. 

I've broken this foot twice before, different breaks each time (once the same bone, different spot, second time the talus). Last time I broke it, the foot specialist ortho surgeon said to always see a foot specialist from here on out, if I broke it again. 

My history of broken and bruised bones (3x L foot, 1x R knee, 1x R thumb) is that I heal extremely slowly -- at least twice as long as expected. When xrays were taken and expected to look almost healed they still looked as though the break had just happened. 

I'm scared -- given my history, should I trust this Dr. that I don't need surgery to heal properly? Should I put weight on it given that it is partially displaced?

0 likes, 3 replies

3 Replies

  • sandi27417
    sandi27417 vassarkat

    Posted

    Are you in the states? This particular area of the foot heals slowly due to low bloid flow and without a pin can refracture. I would trust a foot and ankle specialist for sure. I was 67 when I broke mine but did have surgery. And was totally non weight bearing which is the norn for 4 weeks. I also had a bone stimulator and a scooter. I then received a special walking boot for another 4 weeks. Walking on a broken foot separating the fracture is pure idiotic!!!
    • vassarkat
      vassarkat sandi27417

      Posted

      Thanks, sandi27417. It's helpful to know there is a different experience out there! My gut is telling me he is wrong. Especially given my history of slow healing. I'll admit that I'm scared about being non-weight bearing...

      Yes, I'm in the states -- in NC. My city only has one foot/ankle specialist ortho surgeon, and he's booked until Aug. Luckily, I live within driving distance of multiple competitive medical schools/hospitals. (And luckily it's my left foot, so I can still drive.)

    • sandi27417
      sandi27417 vassarkat

      Posted

      You sound like you are in the Raliegh/Durham/Chapel Hill area.  Let “us” know what you find out but in the meanwhile stay off it. Bet you have crutches around. Crazy that doc told you to walk on it🙄.  Good luck!! Non weight bearing is a bear!!

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