is this just stupid?

[adam_p]

Hi, about 4 weeks ago, I suffered a compound fracture to the wrist (the radius to be exact). It was reduced and is still in a cast. I was quoted 6 to 8 weeks for it to heal. The thing is I really can't have this cast on for 6 weeks so I'm thinking of cutting it off myself. I know how to do it and I'm not going to put it through any serious physical stress, I just need the flexibility of my wrist back. What is the worst that could happen after 4 weeks of healing? By the way, it's felt totally fine for about the past week, no pain whatsoever.

[goolia75]

The worst that could happen is that your wrist will no longer be immobilized. My husband broke his hand about 7 years ago. He took his cast off around week 3 to 4. At the time he thought all the pain was gone. He didn't let it heal for the appropriate amount of time. The doctors tell you 6 weeks for a reason. It's been 7 years since my husband broke his hand and he still has pain at times. It's only 2 weeks longer... just leave it on. If you absolutely cannot have it on, call your orthopedic surgeon and tell him about your situation. He will probably be able to come up with a solution that won't end up causing more damage to your hand.

[Abhijeet Deshmukh, MD]

Hello.

The reason for the pain-free 4 weeks could be the cast. The cast is meant to be useful for joint immobility. Six weeks is the minimum recommended period for any bone healing.

If it very much necessary to remove the cast, you may contact your surgeon and let him assess the situation.

The possible side effects of removing the cast yourself could be anything from a deformed joint to a failed reunion.

Regards