Orthopedics Forum - Post Op

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Q: Post Op - Fractured Femur

asked by: chillyred on April 22nd, 2007

New User

I had surgery to have two screws inserted into my femur following a mountain biking accident last week. After the surgery, i had a fibre back slab to immobilise any movement on my right leg. My problem is that after 5 days, i noticed that the back slab caused a 1 inch by 1 inch abrasion below my hips. I went back to the doctor yesterday and after inspecting the wound, he decided that I would not need to use the back slab. He prescribed a knee immobiliser (with adjustable straps) as the material is more breathable, and flexible yet rigid.
My questions are:
1. It is a bit too early to be of the back slab?
2. Is it a good idea to use a knee immobiliser? Although it is strap on tightly, when i try to move my hip, i encounter severe pain.
3. What was your experience with back slab/cast and how long were you on it?
4. Anyone used the knee immobiliser before and what is your opinion?

Replies(2)

JuLeen

replied on April 22nd, 2007

New User

First of all you really need to trust that the surgeon is experienced and will not prescribe something that will jeopardize the success of the surgery. Secondly, it sounds like the reason for making the change to the brace was to alleviate a possible pressure sore. Trust me, that is something that you do not want. The straps of the brace should be snug, but not so tight that it is effecting your circulation. Once a fracture is set the amount of pain should start to decrease. You can have muscle spasms or muscle cramping in the vicinity of the injury / fracture that they can be extremely painful. If that is occurring make sure to speak with your surgeon and they may be able to prescribe the appropriate medication.

Good Luck.

mlady777

replied on April 30th, 2007

New User

Immobilizer

When I broke my femur the Dr used a rod inside the leg with a screw in the hip and two in the knee area. The pins were used to hold the rod inside the femur in place. The rod was put there as a stabilizer for the bone to hold the leg together until the bone healed. Why did the Dr put the pins in your knee? Following my surgery, my Dr gave me a brace similar to the one you mention but he also told me he didnt want me to use it. In PT my main goal was to work on flexibility and range of motion for the knee. If you wear a brace then how can you move the knee?

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