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How Long Does Transverse Fracture Take To Heal?

Posted on Tue, 13 May 2014

Question: HI I was recently hit by a car, and have suffered a broken l3 tranverse broken fracture, with loc. CT chest was showed mild dependent basal lung changes, no pleural effusion or pneumorthroax. ct abdomen was clear, ct thoracic and lumabr spine showed only the l3 fracture. I also suffered a loc and occiptial laceration. 3 cm long 0.4mm deep edges separated which was sutured in ed. My question is: I am still in extreme pain, taking very strong pain meds. Saw my g.p yesterday and he prescribed more pain medication, however pain is the lower back and left side is not decreasing. How long does it take for the fracture to heal and is there any warning signs I should look out for. I have numbness down the left leg as well as memory loss issues. The medication I am on is:

Answered by Dr. Mukesh Chugh (51 minutes later)

Brief Answer: Fracture heal in 4-6 weeks time Detailed Answer: Hi Thanks for writing your query After going through your suffering, besides taking the medicine for pain you may have- 1. Lumbo sacral brace to support lower back –while sitting, if allowed by your treating doctor and hot water fomentation. 2. Drugs like Pregablin and muscle relaxant after discussion with your doctor.Pregablin helps in relieving pain produced on nerve compression (neuropathic pain).Muscle relaxant drug like Thiocholchicoside, metaxolones also helps. 3. Take balanced diet rich in calcium (1000mg/day) and vitamin D (1000 i.u. /day) along with vitaminB12, B6. This type of fracture usually heals in 4-6 weeks time followed by back exercises under physiotherapist guidance. The warning sign you may look for are-Loss of urinary bladder and bowel control that is bed wetting, weakness or inability to move legs which were normally moving earlier. In the follow up query please tell me how old is your injury? Take care and wish you good health. Hope this helps and I shall be glad to answer any further query. Regards Dr.chugh Orthopaedic surgeon http://bit.ly/drmchugh

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Mukesh Chugh (53 minutes later)

Dear Dr Chugh, The accident happened on the 10/04 this year. So 13 days old. Should the pain be decreasing with the amount of pain medication I am on, and how long should the memory issues last. Kind Regards, XXXX

Answered by Dr. Mukesh Chugh (11 hours later)

Brief Answer: Memory loss may take 3-6 month's to recover Detailed Answer: Hi It’s good to see you After going through your query, yes the pain should decrease with the passage of time and with medicine and I am hopeful of that. Based on your description of injury and loss of consciousness it looks to be mild form of traumatic brain injury (TBI) to confirm that please tell me the duration of loss of consciousness and do you remember the details of accident in the follow up query. Most of the patient with memory loss recovers in 3- 6 month time with mild brain injury Take care and I shall be glad to help further. Regards Dr.chugh

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj

Follow up: Dr. Mukesh Chugh (10 hours later)

Hi, According to witness I was hit by the car went up onto the bonnet and then hit the back of my head on the gutter of the pavement. I was unconsciousness for a number of minutes. I have been told the medication that I am on may cause memory loss as well. The pain seems to be decreasing which is good.

Answered by Dr. Mukesh Chugh (2 hours later)

Brief Answer: Enough rest helps to recover in brain injury Detailed Answer: Hi It’s good to see you again I am glad your pain has reduced. The standard doses of medicines (opioids derivatives) you are taking have only marginal temporary effects on memory. Based on your description of loss of unconsciousness for a number of minutes and keeping in mind you are just 29 year old (Below 40) these all suggest mild form of brain injury, so complete recovery is expected. For faster recovery you may have enough rest. Work, social activities and family responsibilities should be started gradually, not all at once. Take care and wishing you early recovery Regards Dr.chugh.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E