Recovering from Multiple Fractures After a Car Accident: A Patient's Journey

Multiple fractures from a car accident?

I was in a car accident on March 15 of this year, resulting in a left thigh hip joint fracture, anterior and posterior pelvic fractures with displacement, and a right clavicle fracture.
I underwent surgery at Cheng Kung University Hospital on March 16 to insert a steel nail into my thigh hip joint.
On March 21, I was transferred to Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital's emergency department.
On the night of March 22, the hospital performed traction on me.
The doctor mentioned that surgery might not be necessary, but since I still experienced pain when turning over, an X-ray showed that the pelvic healing was not ideal.
Therefore, on March 30, I underwent surgery to insert a steel plate in the back of the pelvis, while the front was deemed not displaced and allowed to heal on its own.
The clavicle was also operated on simultaneously for convenience to allow early weight-bearing.
Now that I have been discharged, I am just starting to practice using crutches.
Due to the accident, I have sustained peripheral nerve damage, so while my right foot is fine, I still experience numbness and sharp pain in my heel.
The numbness has decreased, but the sharp pain persists.
The doctor said I can practice standing and walking with crutches, but I have foot drop in my left foot.
I have a brace to support it at a 90-degree angle, but while I can press my foot and toes down, I cannot lift them up.
The outer side of my calf feels numb; although I can feel when touched, I am unable to apply any force.
I am unsure what to do.
When lying down for a long time, I feel discomfort in the area where my buttocks connect to my thigh, which feels a bit stiff.
Is this part of the recovery process, or is the bone healing poorly? The doctor said that X-rays show the pelvis is parallel, so there shouldn't be any leg length discrepancy issues.
However, I am still uncertain about the foot drop situation, as the doctor mentioned that I cannot fully bear weight on my left foot yet.
Additionally, I am concerned that the foot drop may slow down my rehabilitation.
Will foot drop really cause a limp?
When I sit in a wheelchair for more than an hour and a half, my buttocks become intolerable, and I find it very uncomfortable to sit.
What could this situation be?

Guo Guo, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2017/05/12

Dr. Li Yongheng reply Orthopedics

Drop foot is a more challenging issue.
If there has been no gradual improvement within 3 to 6 months from the date of injury, then there may be limited potential for further progress.
It is currently recommended to increase the intake of B vitamins and to consult a hospital to evaluate the possibility of using electrical stimulation on the injured nerve to accelerate recovery.
Since you are young, as long as you follow your doctor's instructions and use crutches, you should not have to worry about the healing of the fracture.
Wishing you a speedy recovery.

Reply Date: 2017/05/12

More Info

Recovering from multiple fractures after a car accident can be a long and challenging journey, especially when dealing with complex injuries like yours. It sounds like you have experienced significant trauma, including fractures to your hip joint, pelvis, and clavicle, along with nerve injuries that have affected your mobility and sensation. Here’s a comprehensive overview of your situation and some insights into the recovery process.

Understanding Your Injuries
1. Fractures and Surgical Interventions: You mentioned that you underwent surgery to stabilize your hip and pelvis with plates and screws. This is a common approach for managing complex fractures, especially when there is misalignment. The fact that your doctor decided to allow some fractures to heal without surgical intervention indicates that they were stable enough to do so, which is a positive sign.

2. Nerve Injuries: The nerve damage you are experiencing, particularly the "drop foot" condition (where you cannot lift your foot upwards), is often associated with injuries to the peroneal nerve. This can lead to weakness in the muscles that control foot movement, resulting in difficulty walking and a risk of tripping. The numbness and pain you feel in your heel and calf may also be related to nerve irritation or damage.

3. Pain and Discomfort: The discomfort you experience while lying down or sitting for extended periods is not uncommon after significant injuries and surgeries. It can be due to pressure on the surgical sites, muscle tightness, or nerve irritation.

Recovery Process
1. Physical Therapy: Engaging in a structured physical therapy program is crucial for your recovery. A physical therapist can help you with exercises to improve strength, flexibility, and range of motion in your affected leg. They can also provide strategies to manage your drop foot, such as using ankle-foot orthoses (AFOs) to support your foot and improve your gait.

2. Pain Management: Managing pain effectively is essential for your rehabilitation. If you are experiencing persistent pain, discuss this with your healthcare provider. They may recommend medications, physical modalities (like heat or cold therapy), or alternative treatments such as acupuncture.

3. Gradual Weight Bearing: As your doctor has advised, you should gradually practice weight-bearing activities with your crutches. This will help you regain confidence and strength in your leg. It's important to follow your doctor's guidelines regarding when and how much weight you can put on your injured leg.

4. Monitoring Healing: Regular follow-ups with your orthopedic surgeon are essential to monitor the healing of your bones. X-rays will help assess whether the fractures are healing properly and if any adjustments to your rehabilitation plan are necessary.

5. Addressing Drop Foot: For your drop foot, it’s crucial to work with your therapist on exercises that can help strengthen the muscles involved in foot movement. They may also recommend specific braces or orthotics to assist with foot positioning and walking.

Emotional and Psychological Support
Recovering from such significant injuries can also take a toll on your mental health. It’s important to acknowledge any feelings of frustration or anxiety you may have about your recovery. Consider speaking with a counselor or joining a support group for individuals who have experienced similar injuries.

Conclusion
In summary, your recovery from multiple fractures and nerve injuries will require a multifaceted approach involving physical therapy, pain management, and regular medical follow-ups. While the journey may be long and at times frustrating, with the right support and rehabilitation, many individuals can regain significant function and improve their quality of life. Keep communicating openly with your healthcare team about your progress and any concerns you may have, as they can provide the best guidance tailored to your specific situation.

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