Post-Fracture Numbness and Weakness in Leg: What to Expect? - Orthopedics

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Post-fracture numbness and weakness in the leg can be concerning, especially after a significant injury like a femoral fracture. It’s understandable to feel anxious about your mother’s condition, particularly given her reliance on her left leg for mobility due to her right leg's history of polio.
Firstly, it’s important to recognize that numbness and weakness following a fracture can occur for several reasons. The most common causes include nerve injury, swelling, and the effects of immobilization. In your mother’s case, the surgery to fix the fracture may have inadvertently affected nearby nerves, leading to the numbness and altered sensation you described. This is not uncommon, especially in surgeries involving the femur, as the sciatic nerve and its branches run close to the area.

The sensation of numbness and the feeling of having a thick barrier when touched can indicate nerve involvement. If the nerves are compressed or injured, it can lead to sensory changes, weakness, and difficulty with motor control, as you have observed with her inability to move her ankle or toes effectively. The fact that she can feel her toes and the bottom of her foot is a positive sign, suggesting that some nerve function remains intact.

Regarding the recovery process, it’s crucial to understand that nerve healing can take time. In some cases, nerves can regenerate and recover function, but this process can be slow and varies significantly from person to person. Factors such as the extent of the injury, the type of nerve affected, and the overall health of the individual play a significant role in recovery.
Your mother’s rehabilitation will be essential in this process. Physical therapy can help improve strength, flexibility, and coordination. It’s important to follow the recommendations of her rehabilitation team closely. They may suggest specific exercises to promote nerve healing and muscle strength, even if progress seems slow at first.
In terms of safety, it’s understandable to be concerned about falls, especially given her previous reliance on her left leg. It may be beneficial to implement safety measures at home, such as removing tripping hazards, using assistive devices, and ensuring she has support when moving around.
As for the future, while it’s difficult to predict the exact outcome, many patients experience significant improvements over time with appropriate rehabilitation. Regular follow-ups with her orthopedic surgeon and rehabilitation specialists will be crucial in monitoring her progress and making necessary adjustments to her treatment plan.

In summary, while your mother’s current symptoms are concerning, they are not uncommon after such an injury. With time, rehabilitation, and support, there is potential for improvement. Encourage her to stay engaged in her recovery process, and maintain open communication with her healthcare providers to address any ongoing concerns.