when can i walk ?

[billy25]

I have an open fracture tibia and fibula in my left foot last Aug. 9 2009 due to motor accident. My doctor implant an intramedullary rod in my tibia last August 14 2009. I have a weekly check up to my doctor. my question is when can I walk without a crutches??

[Dr Vinod]

Hello!

The healing time would be at least 16 weeks to walk without crutches. At 12 weeks if you can take an X-ray and compare the healing from the present state the Orthopedician will be perfectly able to tell you if he can allow you in couple of weeks before that.

Take care!

[billy25]

thanks for info doc, how many years would it take to become a mature bone? if that happen, will/can be the rod remove to my tibia? or not?

[Dr Vinod]

Hello!

You might have had an open displaced fracture and that is the reason for the intramullary rod in the tibia.
There is no time frame for removal. You should be careful about infections which is the most common complication. Once your wound has healed the infection risk also settles.
Over a period of time with proper functioning and proper healing it can be removed only if necessary, discuss with your orthopedic surgeon after couple of years.
Go for routine checkups; follow all instructions and best of luck!

Take care!

[billy25]

hello,

thanks again, my last question is, how many years will the rod last? can it be last forever without any complication or health problem? will my left feet become normal forever? Im afraid for the risk when i grow older & older..what will i do to have a healthy feet forever?

[Dr Vinod]

Hello!

"The rod can be left in the tibia indefinitely."

The latest rods are made of titanium alloys and are very flexible even with your movements, and last long.

If not healing properly it can be replaced with a thicker rod.

Faster rod removal may be necessary in younger people which would oppose in bone growth.

It all depends on the healing and you can have another surgery whenever the healing is complete and the operating surgeon things it is deemed fit to remove.

Your left foot will become normal, you will have some restricted movements initially and with therapy after the healing at 16 weeks you will regain most of the movements.

Take care!

[Neerja]

Hi Doctor Vinod,

I'm 44 years old healthy women. On june 29th 2009, I fell down and broke my tibia-fibula bones. My bones came out of the skin too. My doctor inserted a titanium rod and 2-screws. Though I'm almost recovered. Just a lttle limp and swelling around my Ankle end of the day. I go to gym 5-days a week and maintain good diet too. I want to remove my rod and screws by the next year may be in June 2010. Doctor is ready to do so. But can you please explain to me about all the pros and cons will happenduring this 2nd time surgery? Please advise me.

Thanks.

Neerja

[Dr Vinod]

Hello!

At your age the surgeon has to do it perfectly and any experienced orthopedic surgeon will do that. As all the bones have fused at your age and there is no problem with the growth plate but follow all instructions properly and you will recover with physiotherapy after taking rest for some days after the removal.

Following proper asepsis is very important and also avoid infections.

Take care!

[Neerja]

Thanks for a quick reply! So should I go for this removal or not? I want to remove it because I don't want any foreign body indside me!

[Dr Vinod]

Hello!

You can sure go for removal of the rod.
Consult your orthopedician for this.

Take care!