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Suggest Remedy For Severe Pain Caused By Osteopenia

Posted on Mon, 23 Nov 2015

Question: I am 68, fell after twisted turn fracturing Left fracture 4/26/14. Titanium rod placed. Aug the screw broke at knee, told just to leave in. Saw MD March due to continued pain and after reviewing X-rays said all healed and could even take hardware out soon. Due to increased pain, saw another orthopedist who reviewed X-rays declaring a non Union and on Juy 16, 2015 did bone grafting. Then X-rays done 10/8 because of increased pain an found the rod had broken!! Only good news is new bone is definitely coming in at graft site. Problem now is a lot of localized pain at surg site. What can I now do. Also have Osteopenia with he stress fx right hip

Answered by Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Can be due to broken rod or osteopenia,

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for posting your query.
The persistent pain at the site of surgery can be due to osteopenia. If the implant / rod has broken and the graft site is showing a good healing then the rod can be taken out. It will give you some pain relief. Increasing the dosage or frequency of norco is not an option.
Do consult your orthopedician and discuss about removing the broken rod. Do continue taking calcium supplements and a hot compress in the area.
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

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (5 hours later)

How difficult is it to remove the broken rod since in 2 pieces with small space at site where it broke? And should I get another X-ray to see if rod has moved. Basically I don't understand why it ever broke to begin with. I'm only 5'3 and not over weight. Thank you for your expertise. My situation is worsening daily re: pain and limited activity

Answered by Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Fresh X-ray will help. It can eb removed.

Detailed Answer:
Hello.
Thanks for writing again.
The broken rod can be removed from 2 small incisions on either side of the rod. Another X-ray will help in locating the exact position of the rod.
The implants can break due to undue stress at wrong site, inappropriate size or loosening of the implant.
Hope my answer is helpful.
Do accept my answer in case there are no further queries.
Regards.

Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Neel Kudchadkar