Does my open femur fracture need immobilization after surgery?
Patient's Query
Hi doctor,
I had an open femur fracture recently. They performed open reduction with internal fixation. When I saw my second x-ray (after surgery), a large, fractured piece moved out of position. They did not immobilize my leg, and I had severe blood loss after the surgery, and it took them five days to notice. I am questioning the hospital for their aftercare of the surgery.
Hello,
Welcome to icliniq.com.
Would you please attach pre-operative and post-operative x-rays?
Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
Thank you for answering. I am attaching the pre and post-operative x-rays and sorry for the late reply. I do not have high hopes for my recovery and rehabilitation as it has been almost two months. The doctors tell me not to worry and say there is progress, but this is very hard for me to believe.
Hello,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
I have gone through your x-rays (attachments removed to protect patient's identity). First of all, it is not a simple fracture, but a badly comminuted fracture, and I should appreciate that it is nicely done. But in such a comminuted fracture, there is always a chance of non-union. I think two months is relatively short for a fracture like this to heal. Consider somewhere around six months to look for signs of healing. If not, we have to take a call if bone grafting needs to be done or not.
Patient's Query
Hi doctor,
Thank you for answering. The surgeon was pretty sure a second operation was necessary. He allowed me to bear weight on that leg, but I was scared to do anything with it. I think there are loose bone fragments in my leg, but they cannot confirm it. I still do not understand why they did not immobilize it to keep everything together for healing.
Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!
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