Hi, I Had An Accident 9 Days Ago, I Have
I had an accident 9 days ago, I have l1 compression fracture with mild retopulsed fragment, I had no numbness nor problem with nerves.
I'm currently staying at hospital and a surgery is planned for me on Monday.
The surgeon came to see me few days back and asked me to wear a strap and practice walking with the physiotherapist saying that my condition could be treated without surgery or with it.
I started walking wearing the strap and using a walker, I had pain but the doctor said all patients have this so keep walking!
Anyhow, few hours later i had pain and numbness in my legs especially the left one.
Before coming to this hospital I was in another hospital and they made me wear the strap and took CT Scans and said afterwards that the compression became worse and the operation is the only valid choice.
Now, why did this surgeon in your honest opinion ask me to wear a strap and practise walking with the physiotherapist despite the CT Scans that clearly said the compression became worse after wearing the strap?
This resulted in damaging my nerve as I have numbness in my legs which I hadn't before!
Honestly, do you think this guy is trustworthy to perform surgery on me next Monday?
Bed rest was advisable.
Detailed Answer:
Hello dear, welcome to Ask a doctor service.
I read your query and here is my advice.
I think if you had a mild moderate compression without significant nerve damage and nerve deficit the best treatment would be staying in bed rest without moving for at least 6 weeks.
In case of neurological complications and compression with vertebral displacement the only way of treatment is surgery.
Taking about trust, it is a very important and essential component in the relationship between a doctor and a patient that makes this relation function and beneficial for patient.
So you should go to a doctor you trust him and follow his advices otherwise it will not work.
Hope I have answered the question.
Let me know if I can assist you further.
Thank you for your kind and helpful reply, actually I was waiting for a reply from an orthopedic surgeon to give his view on what that doctor did by making me walk and endangering my health and nerves.
Thanks anyway.
Wishing you good health.
Detailed Answer:
You are welcome.
I think walking made it worse.
Wishing you good health.
Best regards.
Detailed Answer:
You are welcome.
Best regards.
Same to you.