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Suggest Treatment For Comminuted Tibula And Fibula Fracture
Question: I have a 7 week comminuted tib-fib fx 1 1/2" below knee joint. Initially in ext fixator first 12 days. Tib was slab fractured into joint - plated/screws 5 wks ago...but no fixation done on fibula. First reck xray @ 3 1/2 wks post op appeared to show bone fill-in at tib...but "black gap" at fibula fx. they said it will just take time but the fib should be OK. I have observed non wt-bearing(on walker), but have pain at lateral fib area...and now that swelling has mostly subsided, as I do my instructed knee flexion/extension exercises...I can detect side to side instability - pivoting at fx site...not pivoting at the knee itself! I called DR. ofc - they said to go back to using my velcro splint( after saying 2 wks ago it wasn't necessary anymore) and wait for my next appt Oct 28. ?Would you suggest electrical stimulator daily use, or go back in surgically to stabilize fibula? 20 yrs ago I had a delayed union ulna fx - wore cast 22 wks...used 'tinge unit' last 8-10 wks. Thank you Dr. for your consideration and advice/consultation. Please don't say just 'wait a few more months'.
Brief Answer:
Surgical fixation not needed.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for posting your query.
If tibia is healing well then there is no need to worry as the body weight is transmitted through tibia and not fibula. Surgical fixation of fibula is not needed. The callus formed will gradually gain strength and the instability that you are feeling will improve in next 2-3 weeks. You can use an electrical stimulator daily to speed up the bone healing.
Do take a healthy and nutritious diet rich in calcium and zinc to speed up the healing.
I hope this answers your query.
In case you have additional questions or doubts, you can forward them to me, and I shall be glad to help you out.
Wishing you good health.
Regards.
Dr. Praveen Tayal.
For future query, you can directly approach me through my profile URL http://bit.ly/Dr-Praveen-Tayal
Surgical fixation not needed.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for posting your query.
If tibia is healing well then there is no need to worry as the body weight is transmitted through tibia and not fibula. Surgical fixation of fibula is not needed. The callus formed will gradually gain strength and the instability that you are feeling will improve in next 2-3 weeks. You can use an electrical stimulator daily to speed up the bone healing.
Do take a healthy and nutritious diet rich in calcium and zinc to speed up the healing.
I hope this answers your query.
In case you have additional questions or doubts, you can forward them to me, and I shall be glad to help you out.
Wishing you good health.
Regards.
Dr. Praveen Tayal.
For future query, you can directly approach me through my profile URL http://bit.ly/Dr-Praveen-Tayal
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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