I broke the fifth metatarsal. The break is 45 degree angle through the distal shaft and is displaced somewhat. After 7 weeks, the xray looks almost identical to the original staright after the accident (fell down stairs).
Doctor gave me the choice of waiting another 4 weeks to see if bone healing starts or surgery now.
What is the probability that bone healing will occur in 4 weeks?
Is the rate of healing just slow or, given the bones are still obviously apart, is it unlikely to be healing and I'll require an operation in 4 weeks time anyway?
Doctor gave me the choice of waiting another 4 weeks to see if bone healing starts or surgery now.
What is the probability that bone healing will occur in 4 weeks?
Is the rate of healing just slow or, given the bones are still obviously apart, is it unlikely to be healing and I'll require an operation in 4 weeks time anyway?
Loading...
Hello Jude.
I broke my 5th metatarsal several years ago . All I remember is that I had a splint for 4 weeks and then doctors took it of and everything was over. I cannot write you an answer as a doctor, but as a vet I can tell you that 7 weeks is a long time for such a small bone to heal, aldo orthopedists say that foot bones need more time to heal because the vascularisation is very poor there . You didn't say how old you are but when people are older bones take longer time to heal. If that is not the case with you it might be that fragments are probably too far away. You have to talk to your doctor about that and ask for his oppinion, that is if you trust him/her. If he/she thinks that there is a chanse that your bone will start healing in 4 weeks, then wait. If the chances are slim then I think you should accept the surgery right away, because if you wait too long you might end up in more problems.
I hope this will help. Wish you all the best and a fast recovery.
I broke my 5th metatarsal several years ago . All I remember is that I had a splint for 4 weeks and then doctors took it of and everything was over. I cannot write you an answer as a doctor, but as a vet I can tell you that 7 weeks is a long time for such a small bone to heal, aldo orthopedists say that foot bones need more time to heal because the vascularisation is very poor there . You didn't say how old you are but when people are older bones take longer time to heal. If that is not the case with you it might be that fragments are probably too far away. You have to talk to your doctor about that and ask for his oppinion, that is if you trust him/her. If he/she thinks that there is a chanse that your bone will start healing in 4 weeks, then wait. If the chances are slim then I think you should accept the surgery right away, because if you wait too long you might end up in more problems.
I hope this will help. Wish you all the best and a fast recovery.
Loading...