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Suggest Treatment For Fractured Tibia
Question: Im currently awaiting surgery for a fractured tibia. Yesterday, I fell in the bathroom, landing on the heal of the leg with the fracture. It took my full weight of 72KG. I'm pretty sure it didn't break again, but it has swollen up to fill the space in the cast ,which had opened up after the swelling had subsided. It's quite tight now, but bearable. I'd describe it as uncomfortable. I'm due to go into surgery in 2 days, and I'm afraid the surgeons may delay the op because of the swelling. Is that likely? I've already waited just shy of 4weeks and don't want another delay, so Im thinking of keeping quiet and waiting to see if symptoms become more severe.
Brief Answer:
bad idea to keep quiet
Detailed Answer:
Hello and thank you for your question.
I do not think it is a good idea to wait. You need to see your orthopedic surgeon or go to Emergency today.
Swelling inside a cast can put your whole leg at risk by cutting off blood flow to it.
It will be much better for you to see the surgeon and get recasted if needed.
Swelling inside a cast can be very dangerous.
I doubt that they will postpone the surgery, but it is very important that you be seen as soon as possible.
I know it is frustrating to wait but if it is safer to wait then you want to be as safe as possible.
I wish you the best and I'm so sorry that this happened.
Dr. Robinson
bad idea to keep quiet
Detailed Answer:
Hello and thank you for your question.
I do not think it is a good idea to wait. You need to see your orthopedic surgeon or go to Emergency today.
Swelling inside a cast can put your whole leg at risk by cutting off blood flow to it.
It will be much better for you to see the surgeon and get recasted if needed.
Swelling inside a cast can be very dangerous.
I doubt that they will postpone the surgery, but it is very important that you be seen as soon as possible.
I know it is frustrating to wait but if it is safer to wait then you want to be as safe as possible.
I wish you the best and I'm so sorry that this happened.
Dr. Robinson
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Yes, thanks, I am aware of ACS, thankfully the swelling has subsided after keeping my leg elevated all day, and the cast is freely moving about again as it was before the mishap. Fingers crossed surgery isn't postponed on Tuesday.
Brief Answer:
thanks for the follow up
Detailed Answer:
Oh, I am so glad to hear that. I wish you the best.
I still think it would be best to let your surgeon know tomorrow about what has happened. They may want to take a look at your leg before the surgery.
Dr. Robinson
thanks for the follow up
Detailed Answer:
Oh, I am so glad to hear that. I wish you the best.
I still think it would be best to let your surgeon know tomorrow about what has happened. They may want to take a look at your leg before the surgery.
Dr. Robinson
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
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