I have a lateral tibial plateau fracture that involves a 2mm depression fracture. Should I operate on this?

Question

The doctors said that I could go both ways--operate or not operate.

Answer 1

You shouldn't. You should let your doctor operate on it if you decide to.

However - if it is unclear as to whether you should operate or not, perhaps you should consider some of the pro's and con's.

For instance - operation on your knee involves a general anaesthetic ... messing about with the bones ... insertion of metal

There are risks involved with all of the above - particularly the risk of infection.

If you are a young healthy patient and need your knee back sooner and are happy to take this risk, then operation would be good.

If you do not operate, there is no risk of infection. However there is a risk of arthritis which would develop slowly and over several years-decades if there is a 2mm depression at the joint space.

Not operating would be a good option if you are an older patient with risks for operations (bad heart/bad lungs) and could run the risk of arthritis developing or not developing over time.

Answer 2

Ask the doctor what are the repercussions on both, then weigh it out. Will it have a bad effect in the long run if you don't operate? Ask another doctor if you're that bothered.

Answer 3

i don't recognize what's with the different guy getting a thumb's down. he's quite maximum appropriate. strolling on a broken bone while the Dr has suggested no weight bearing is purely going to postpone the healing technique. There could desire to be some callus showing on the xrays earlier you start to bear weight. to your form of fracture, you're probably finding at 6-8 weeks. as far because of the fact the crutches, back the different guy is stable. Your crutches could desire to be approximately 2" below your armpit. you may desire to no longer be leaning on them. all your bodyweight could desire to be on your arms. you may quite get nerve injury from putting all your weight on your underarms. stable success, and hear the Dr. He knows what he's doing.