Week 11 with broken fibula
Posted , 4 users are following.
I've been a cast for 11 weeks now. I have a spiral fracture on my left fibula. 3 weeks ago, I had xrays and my doc discovered that my fracture was actually worse than before! a little background: I have autoimmune hypoparathyroidism which means that I don't have pth which is key in building bone.
The last several days I've had severe pain in my ankle that radiates to my Achilles tendon and up my calf. I talked to the PA and she recommended waiting a couple of days.
my next appointment it's April 24...3 weeks away. this will mean that I've been in a cast for almost 15 weeks!
Is this normal and what can be done about my problem of not growing bone?
I'm so tired of being in so much pain and this cast!
0 likes, 14 replies
justinetrip
Posted
1st x ray
most recent x ray
anniea justinetrip
Posted
I'm amazed you didn't have surgery to stabilise it?!
I thought that closer to the ankle more likely it will need to be pinned!
Dont wait for pain to increase before seeing someone.
Seems basic but have you googled your injury and pictures to see what other treatment has been done.
I'm also interested to know how did you get a spiral fracture there without breaking tib?
justinetrip anniea
Posted
I thought the same thing! I've heard 2 x rays now, no investigation into soft tissue damage, nothing! I am just dismissed when I call to complain about pain. I have done extensive research about a delayed or non union of the fibula and most often a bone graft and plates and screws are used. so if it comes to that, I'll be 15 weeks in a cast, surgery, then more cast time.
I have no idea how I broke my fibula and not my tibia!
anniea justinetrip
Posted
What country ate you in?
I'm assuming you aren't in the UK?
Can you change surgeon or go to a&e and be reassessed?
If you have bone issues anyway you are going to have delayed union no matter what but you need a proper answer as to why surgery is not the way forward.
Ligament pain is just part and parcel of it but for me it occurred after healing established and i was weight baring, you shouldn't be having to much pain in a cast.
If i was in that much pain i would cut cast off and go a&e but obviously depends where you are x
justinetrip anniea
Posted
I'm in the US (New Mexico).
I am waiting to hear about confirmation on switching surgeons.
I have been very tempted to cut the thing off myself!
If I can just make it 20 more days, I will have some answers...
Thank you for the advice and information!
lilliewil justinetrip
Posted
I had delayed union and have hypothyroidism and arthritis, both which slow bone healing. My orthopedist got me a bone stimulation device to use which helped. I also increased my calcium, Vitamin K, and added bromelain in addition to the rest of the vitamins I take. And kept my ankle elevated almost full time and rested as much as possible, while doing some exercises in bed (dumbbells weights for upper body, leg lifts etc. even with the cast to help keep the rest of the leg and hips strong).
justinetrip lilliewil
Posted
I was supposed to receive a bone stimulator, but my insurance will not cover it...so, I'm just hoping that my body will eventually decide to do the right thing!
Unfortunately, I am a teacher and cannot take an extended period of time off. I believe this contributes to the non union because I do not have the time to sit with my leg up.
Thank you for the info! It sure helps to know that you're not the only one with these problems!
lilliewil justinetrip
Posted
It may. Have you considered a wheelchair with a leg lift to keep the injured leg up? I ended up buying a wheelchair because it was cheaper than renting it and the leg lift was nice and helped to elevate my ankle when out.
Also since you're in the U.S., do you have short term disability that could be used? Most teachers I've seen with broken ankles tend to go out on disability and return the following school year. FMLA is another option that than can be tough for leave without pay.
What I've learned through this broken ankle and through other health challenges is to push and explore options, read up as much as possible and leverage as many resources I can, like these forums to employee assistance programs, to a therapist and more than can help guide me to the best care possible to get better. You need to protect yourself as your employer and even your doctors may not. A broken ankle is a very serious injury that takes a long time to heal and many people do not understand that.
justinetrip lilliewil
Posted
I had considered a wheel chair at first, then thought that I probably wouldn't need it for long (boy was I wrong!).
I don't have short term disability, but I do have long term. I am now looking into that possibility! Thanks!
anniea justinetrip
Posted
i was advised that movement would help encourage bone growth so working shouldn't be too bad but definitely should be resting every other minute!
let us know how you get on and if you get new surgeon x
anniea justinetrip
Posted
also something called a tens machine is beneficial in muscle and bone growth - think its like a smaller version of bone stimulator but they are quite cheap to buy and used by physiotherapists
justinetrip anniea
Posted
I will look into that! Thanks!
AmberW justinetrip
Posted
Have you thought about taking a vitamin supplement such as "Bone Restore" to help with healing? Of course, run it by your doctor first to ensure it's okay for you but if so, that should help. The one I take has Vitamins D3, K2 (the M7 kind), Magnesium, Zinc, and Calcium.
justinetrip
Posted
I had another friend mention this! thank you for the recommendation!