A member asked:
42 year-old female, 17 weeks post lateral malleolus fibular fracture with non-displacement . no improvement from 6 to 17 wk in xray. is this non -union?
3 doctor answers
Dr. Randall Beckman answered
23 years experience Podiatry
Not yet: Technically, this is a delayed union, but nonetheless is still a good indication for a bone stimulator.
Answered on Sep 28, 2016
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Dr. Karl Mangold answered
14 years experience Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Surgery
No: Technically, it is a delayed-union. If the fracture is not healed in 26 weeks it would be considered a non-union. Bone stimulators are typically considered to heal any delayed union. You should keep in mind that if the patient is clinically healed (no pain, stable joint), radiographic changes lag significantly behind, so the fracture may be "healed" even if you can still see it on x-ray.
Answered on May 17, 2016
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3 thanks
Dr. Alan Ettinger answered
49 years experience Podiatry
Could be: I would suggest lab work up . You may need a bone stimulator.
Answered on Aug 6, 2012
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A 21-year-old male asked:
Dr. Edward Hellman answered
29 years experience Orthopedic Surgery
8 weeks: Most fibula fractures take about 8 weeks to heal, so you are well on your way.
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A 23-year-old female asked:
Dr. Philip Schwarzman answered
47 years experience Emergency Medicine
A cast will do: You will most likely need a cast if it is broken. See an orthopedist
A 29-year-old male asked:
Dr. Stephen Arbes answered
44 years experience Podiatry
When in doubt: Normally a "displaced" fracture of the distal fibula is surgically repaired. This is because the end of the fibula is needed for ankle joint stability ... Read More
A 44-year-old male asked:
Dr. Edward Hellman answered
29 years experience Orthopedic Surgery
Depends: If it is really an isolated fibula fracture, they usually do not need surgery. Sometimes, however, the fibula fracture will be associated wth a compl ... Read More
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