I have a broken fibula, its a clean lateral break two inches above the ankle. It has been 5 days since the accident and being in the military stationed in Korea, there is a problem with Tricare getting me to a base 3 hours away to see the ortho doctor. Right now i am wearing a splint held together with ace bandages.
When the X-rays were taken the day after the break, the bone was perfectly in place... now 5 days later could it be aligned differently, could the healing have started already, and how bad will it be if its not perfectly inplace when it is healed?
2006-10-04 23:26:04 · 3 answers · asked by oldaaronxxx 3 in Health ➔ General Health Care ➔ Injuries
Staying off the affected leg is your best option until you can see an ortho. I am not a doctor but my experience working in Occupational Medicine has taught the patients who come in with breaks to stay off the leg as we weigh a lot and damage can be done to the bones. Resetting a bone is not fun but may not be necessary either, only your ortho can call that one. Also, what did the attending physician say? I have three sons in the military and one had several breaks in his knees and heals but there is always someone who reviews the xrays and gives advise. Even if the doctor is not the friendly sort, get your records and read what they wrote as far as care is concerned, you have that right and obligation to yourself. Good luck, Suzanne
2006-10-04 23:38:28 · answer #1 · answered by Suzanne S 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The fibula is not extremely important. It is more a natural protective device of the body has for protecting the tibia. If you haven't been stressing the repair, or removing the splint, chances are good that the bone hasn't been displaced. Healing begins as soon as a bone breaks and the two ends are brought back together. In the event that the bone begins to heal when not perfectly articulated, you will likely have your gait assessed. If there the placement effects how you walk, the bone may be broken, and reset. Yes! You would be anesthetized. More over, it is likely that your gait would not be effected, even in the case of the bone not being perfectly articulated, as the fibula is not important to the function of the foot or weight barring.
2006-10-05 06:40:18 · answer #2 · answered by IAINTELLEN 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
healing starts as most as quick as you broke it, I would get Doctor as fast as possible, you don't tp have it re broke because of a bad set, that'd hurt worse in the long run. You can get to Pusong or somwhere close for Medical attention??
2006-10-05 06:35:43 · answer #3 · answered by back2skewl 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋