We appreciate you visiting EmpowHER, but you must be logged in to view this page. If you are already a member, please log in here. If you are not a member yet, please fill out the form to start your free membership today.
I had an ankle dislocation and fracture 1 year and 2 months ago. My surgeon only fixed the fibula and told me the tibia fractures would heal on their own. Later I found out the whole back of the tibia was fractured as well as across the bottom abover the cartilage. I was only non-weightbearing about 6 weeks then started into therapy. I knew pretty quickly something was wrong. Tremendous pain with every step, crazy swelling. I kept telling the dr and he kept telling me to be more aggressive with my therapy. FInally sent me for an MRI which showed Avascular Necrosis of the tibia and many unhealed fractures of the tibia. He said he didn't believe it and he wouldn't change anything. Sent me for a CT and it said the same thing, again he didn't believe it and there was nothing else he could do for me so he sent me to his friend who was an ankle specialist. Keep in mind I was continuing to walk and work on my "chronic fractures." The specialist didn't believe it either, said I had a stress fracture. Then next visit decided I should put the boot on and use crutches. Then the next visit after reviewing the scans for the first time decided I did have this previously undiagnosed fracture that was unhealed, as well as others, and casted me and used a bone growth stimulator. Then another ct which showed the AVN and more fractures coming out of that area. So in the boot and on crutches 6 more weeks. Then he told me to walk on it for 6 weeks and see what happens. Then a cortisone shot. Then an MRI and come back. Went yesterday. The AVN has more than doubled in size, has spread to the outside of the bone and all of the articular cartilage and joint surface. Told I could have an ankle replacement but it was not a good choice because I am active. Said I really have no other option but a fusion but they are leaving in all the dead bone, and inserting screws into the dead bone. I am terrified this is not going to work and I am going to end up losing my leg. I am scheduled for March 27 and I am going to seek out another opinion as well as legal counsel at this point. I am 38, a nurse, and 4 busy busy kids.
Comment Reply
I had an ankle dislocation and fracture 1 year and 2 months ago. My surgeon only fixed the fibula and told me the tibia fractures would heal on their own. Later I found out the whole back of the tibia was fractured as well as across the bottom abover the cartilage. I was only non-weightbearing about 6 weeks then started into therapy. I knew pretty quickly something was wrong. Tremendous pain with every step, crazy swelling. I kept telling the dr and he kept telling me to be more aggressive with my therapy. FInally sent me for an MRI which showed Avascular Necrosis of the tibia and many unhealed fractures of the tibia. He said he didn't believe it and he wouldn't change anything. Sent me for a CT and it said the same thing, again he didn't believe it and there was nothing else he could do for me so he sent me to his friend who was an ankle specialist. Keep in mind I was continuing to walk and work on my "chronic fractures." The specialist didn't believe it either, said I had a stress fracture. Then next visit decided I should put the boot on and use crutches. Then the next visit after reviewing the scans for the first time decided I did have this previously undiagnosed fracture that was unhealed, as well as others, and casted me and used a bone growth stimulator. Then another ct which showed the AVN and more fractures coming out of that area. So in the boot and on crutches 6 more weeks. Then he told me to walk on it for 6 weeks and see what happens. Then a cortisone shot. Then an MRI and come back. Went yesterday. The AVN has more than doubled in size, has spread to the outside of the bone and all of the articular cartilage and joint surface. Told I could have an ankle replacement but it was not a good choice because I am active. Said I really have no other option but a fusion but they are leaving in all the dead bone, and inserting screws into the dead bone. I am terrified this is not going to work and I am going to end up losing my leg. I am scheduled for March 27 and I am going to seek out another opinion as well as legal counsel at this point. I am 38, a nurse, and 4 busy busy kids.
January 13, 2012 - 8:24amThis Comment
Reply