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What Does This X-ray Report Indicate?

Posted on Thu, 12 Nov 2015

Question: I broke my fibula bone 6 weeks ago. I have attached my Xray after surgery.
I am NWB for a couple more weeks.
I sleep on my side and get around on crutches. I have fiberglass cast below knee.
How secure are the screws and plate? I am just scared any little movement may break them. I once was on the floor and I got up and pushed a little on my toe of bad leg but there was no pain.
Also, how does the Xray look where the bone attached?

Answered by Dr. Chobufo Ditah (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
The xray looks pretty good.

Detailed Answer:
Hi and sorry about the fracture you suffered.

I have reviewed your attached image and it is fine. There is no reason to get worried about the surgical repair. Also, it is not as fragile as you think but needs to be well taken care of. I will encourage you to continue with the treatment planbecause the healing is going on great.

I wish you a speedy recovery. keep me updated. I wish you well and keep me updated.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Chobufo Ditah (9 hours later)

I have one more question.

I have my next appointment a week from today (Oct.26). Hope to get cast off.

Since I am NWB, when I walk with crutches and my leg is dangling my toes get red. They do not really swell and there is no pain. Cast feels secure and comfortable.

Is this normal for the toes to be red when my bad foot is not elevated? Is this because I am not using the foot and will get better when I start using it?

I attached a picture of the toes color.

Thanks
XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Chobufo Ditah (20 hours later)

Brief Answer:
It is normal and will resolve when cast is removed!

Detailed Answer:
Hi and thanks for this follow up.

I have reviewed the attached image. This is normal and caused by the fact that blood cannot circulate freely as there is a cast. This will resolve as soon as the cast is removed and activity returns to normal.

I hope this helps. I Wish you well. Feel free to follow up with more questions if need be.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Chobufo Ditah (6 hours later)

Hi Dr. Ditah

Just a couple more questions

I want to use a knee scooter. Is it ok to use it? My bad leg knee rests on it and I use my good leg to get around. I attached picture of the scooter I have.

Also, just by my knee that is not covered by my cast, the end of the fibula bone, I touch it with my finger and it is tender to touch. Is this normal because of the damage to the fibula bone with surgery?

Thank you

Answered by Dr. Chobufo Ditah (19 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
THe scooter is fine!

Detailed Answer:
Hi and thanks for this follow up.

The knee scooter is good an as long as it takes weight off the fractured leg, that is good. The pain is normal not because it is damaged by the fracture but because this has been inactive for long.

I hope this helps. I wish you well.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Chobufo Ditah (27 hours later)

Sorry, 1 more question.

Today I was at a conference. I stood up and accidently put a bit of weight on my toes to balance myself for a second. I had a jolt of pain in my ankle. Pain did not last long. It have been 3 hrs since that happened. No pain and no swelling.

Just wondering, I dislocated my ankle and broke leg 6 weeks ago now. I hope to start weight bearing on it next appointment Oct.26.

Is that normal that I felt that pain in the ankle when I balanced myself? Would that be because I have been in a cast and have been NWB since then and ankle I tender?

Answered by Dr. Chobufo Ditah (31 hours later)

Brief Answer:
This is not unexpected!

Detailed Answer:
Hi and thanks for this follow up question.

I understand your concern but the leg is not this fragile after six weeks of treatment. I am sure you didn't do anything bad to this leg as there is no residual pain or swelling which resulted from this accident. Be calm, careful and positive and all will be okay.

I hope this helps. I wish you well. Thanks for using our services and feel free to ask for more information and clarifications if need be.

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