Have you ever broken a leg? What was the post - op care?

Question

Did you have an x-ray after your leg was set into a cast? If so, when? I was told 1 week was standard to insure the bone is still set correctly and the angles are correct etc. My daughter broke her femur and never had a post op x ray until 4 weeks later! Now we discovered that her bone has healed in the worst position and she is now having to face a new surgery to re-break and start over! She is only 2 yrs old!!! She will now require hardware in her legs and the surgery has many risks for a child her age. I am so confused, how did it come to this? This should have been a very routine proceedure and if done correctly, she would be getting it off this week. I am heartbroken.

Answer 1

I am sorry for the problem but as a physician I must tell you that nature has a way to catch us off guard. I won't tell you that the doctor was negligent because he was there, I was not....however it is worth a few phone calls to the local medical society to find out if the physician has had other complaints or even law suits against him. When I do an X-Ray, I do what is called an A-P Lateral, which means that we X-ray from front to back and then from side to side, if he only did one, then it is understandable how he allowed such a thing to happen. However perhaps he also relied on a radiologist to interprete the x-rays and the radiologist failed (usually a radiologist reads all x-rays taken at a hospital for accuracy). I am not asking forgiveness for anyone but doctors do rely on others too. The hardware will likely be pins to strengthen the bones and should cause no major problem....some people say they are uncomfortable during changing weather. I suggest obtaining all records or copies thereof, and seeking legal council for either malfeasance or malpractice. While I realize that you are not looking for financial gain at the expense of your child, punitive damages, increased insurance rates and perhaps losing his priviledges at the hospital can prevent the same thing from occuring again. If finances permit, seek a seperate opinion from a pediatric orthopaedic surgeon.

Answer 2

I broke my leg in three places and had an x-ray 2 wks after this the doctor determined everything was healing well then and told me to continue w/his instructions for post opt care... I then started physical therapy

Answer 3

please please please try an go private. check if you or your partner have any cover at work or any other way. im not a fan of our nhs although im sure many have good stories form treatment they have recieved. if you can find a way to go private you will see a specialist for your specific condition rather than a general doctor who has to see a million others. i now cover my two kids with health insurance after the fantastic results i got with my son when he was very ill and 12 months of nhs got us no where, if you cant go private dont just accept what you are told ask questions get answers, tell them what you want doing do research. after all we all pay for the service anyway........good luck i hope all goes well.