Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
What Causes Radiating Pain In Lower Body A Month After Hip Fracture Repair?
Question: I had a hip fracture repaired 4 weeks ago. fractured in 5 places and repaired with rods and nails. fell and re injured 4 days later in rehab. ER xrays and tests were read as no more damage. I knew it was broken and the rehab center that I am in drs wouldnt listen and it continued to be damaged further for days. After another week and a half I got them to transport me to the surgeon who immediately saw the damage but has made me wait an additional 12 days to get me back to surgery after a month of the worst 24 hour pain and being totally bedridden. The leg is now twisted and knee feels dislocated and ripped as well.The surgery is in the morning finally. What damage could have occurred as a result of the misdiagnosis and extended wait to repair again?Anything I should look for or ask for prior to procedure?
Brief Answer:
Re-fracture, implant break, avascular necrosis of head of femur
Detailed Answer:
Hi there.
Welcome to Healthcare Magic.
Thanks for the query.
Could you tell me what kind of surgery your Doctor is planning?
Did you twist your knee during the fall after the surgery ?
It is possible that when you fell down, the would have been no immediate damage as the ER Doctors could find.
Also since 4 weeks have passed, a healing fracture callus should have been formed if it is an intertrochanteric fracture treated with a nail. There could be complications such as re-fracture, breakage of the implant nail, avascular necrosis of the head of the femur which can contribute to knee pain. These are valid indications for surgery.
It would be helpful to ask what the procedure is, why the procedure is being done and the complications of the procedure as well as when you will be able to walk again.
Kindly answer my questions for me to be in a better position to help you.
I hope I have answered your query.
I will be available to answer your follow up queries.
Regards,
Dr. Aashish Raghu
Re-fracture, implant break, avascular necrosis of head of femur
Detailed Answer:
Hi there.
Welcome to Healthcare Magic.
Thanks for the query.
Could you tell me what kind of surgery your Doctor is planning?
Did you twist your knee during the fall after the surgery ?
It is possible that when you fell down, the would have been no immediate damage as the ER Doctors could find.
Also since 4 weeks have passed, a healing fracture callus should have been formed if it is an intertrochanteric fracture treated with a nail. There could be complications such as re-fracture, breakage of the implant nail, avascular necrosis of the head of the femur which can contribute to knee pain. These are valid indications for surgery.
It would be helpful to ask what the procedure is, why the procedure is being done and the complications of the procedure as well as when you will be able to walk again.
Kindly answer my questions for me to be in a better position to help you.
I hope I have answered your query.
I will be available to answer your follow up queries.
Regards,
Dr. Aashish Raghu
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
I dont know what surgery is being planned but he will be replacing rod with a larger longer one and add more nails and stabilization.
The pain has been traveling down from the hip area since fall and has caused leg appearing shorter and more twisted to right, it is the right leg by the way. The knee has been painful but also less stable as if it is dislocated. Very large and swollen also.
I have no way of knowing the extent of the original damage but could have damaged it more being transferred to machines and in and out of ems beds etc. also was never stabilized and still isnt so bedrest and trying to sleep is causing extreme pain. My opinion is that it was broken based on the position of my foot and the length of the injured leg vs the good one. anything is possible however. Thank you
Isnt is an awful long time to wait for additional surgery? Scheduling was cited as the reason but wouldnt it be considered an emergency situation as the first one was? I am so concerned about additional damage that could have been avoided.
The pain has been traveling down from the hip area since fall and has caused leg appearing shorter and more twisted to right, it is the right leg by the way. The knee has been painful but also less stable as if it is dislocated. Very large and swollen also.
I have no way of knowing the extent of the original damage but could have damaged it more being transferred to machines and in and out of ems beds etc. also was never stabilized and still isnt so bedrest and trying to sleep is causing extreme pain. My opinion is that it was broken based on the position of my foot and the length of the injured leg vs the good one. anything is possible however. Thank you
Isnt is an awful long time to wait for additional surgery? Scheduling was cited as the reason but wouldnt it be considered an emergency situation as the first one was? I am so concerned about additional damage that could have been avoided.
Brief Answer:
Re-fracture, implant break. Kindly upload Xray films
Detailed Answer:
Hi there.
Since your limb is externally rotated, it could be Re-fracture or Implant breakage or both.
This necessitates revision surgery with a longer and thicker nail to allow for healing.
The reason is took so long for the planning of surgery could be due to the fact that they may not have spotted the damage in time. Maybe if you could post your Xray films for me I can comment.
Kindly discuss the reason for the surgery and the time when you so be able to start walking, with your Doctor.
Wishing a speedy recovery.
Regards,
Dr. Aashish Raghu
Re-fracture, implant break. Kindly upload Xray films
Detailed Answer:
Hi there.
Since your limb is externally rotated, it could be Re-fracture or Implant breakage or both.
This necessitates revision surgery with a longer and thicker nail to allow for healing.
The reason is took so long for the planning of surgery could be due to the fact that they may not have spotted the damage in time. Maybe if you could post your Xray films for me I can comment.
Kindly discuss the reason for the surgery and the time when you so be able to start walking, with your Doctor.
Wishing a speedy recovery.
Regards,
Dr. Aashish Raghu
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Yogesh D
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
