Resolved question:
My mother has broken Pelvic and lower back. I need a second opinion please.
1) How many fractures?
2) Is the surgery needed and what is the percentage of success? ( being able to walk again)
3) How many surgeries are needed?
4) What is the risk of delaying the surgery to 2-6 months?
5) What will happen if she does not do the surgery?
6) What is the worst thing that could happen if the surgery fails?
7) Are there any other options or non-surgical or less invasive methods besides the surgery?
8) What is the risk of transporting her to another country to do the surgery?
CT can be viewed at https://www.image32.com/embed/study/12688ff9-355f-4073-92fe-6fbccc63ce792
Submitted:
4 Days
Category:
Family Physician-GP
Hello,
Thank you for your consult at DoctorSpring.com
I have read your query with diligence.Here are your answers-
-It looks that she has about 5 fractures.Three at vertebrae T10,11 & L4.Other are at rt ilium & lt neck of femur.
-She will be able to walk again if there is no neurological deficit.
-Her spine should be fixed as wel as pelvis & neck of femur.
-After 2-6 months every fracture will be united in wrong positions ,except of rt ilium (as it is mildly displaced.But surgery is necessary if you want early mobilization.Its al depend on expertize of surgeon.
-If surgery is not done then she should be kept in traction for next 2 months .After which she needs a good physiotherapy for next 2 months more.
-If surgery is not done then left side of hip may have pain.In back there may or may not be pain on standing.
-If surgery fails then she may have infection,breakage of implant,shock & blood loss during surgery & on worst side death due to excessive loss of blood or embolism after surgery.
-I have already told that she may be kept in rest with traction on her limbs in special position & with special beds.Your orthopedic doctor may hep with this.
-She can be trasported to other country with due care.There should not be excessive movements of limbs .Pain should be contolled with good analgesia.An attending doctor may be helpful.
Hope this all will help you. Pl feel free to discuss further.
The accident happened 20 days ago. IT will take 1-2 months to transport her to another country to do the surgery. Is that too late to do the surgery? So the surget will be done about 2-3 months after the accodent. IS that too late?
thanks
Yes ,It is already late.At this stage only fracture neck of femur can be operated.At spine and pelvis best results can not be expected.
With best wishes.