Problems After a Broken Ulna [posted 11/5/98]
Question: I chipped my ulna bone two years ago. Since then I've been told I had "calcification". What is calcification of the cartlidge, and could this have pinched the ulnar nerve as a result of the break? I just had the nerve transfer done.

Answer: Well, offhand this doesn't make sense. Cartiledge can be damaged and I suspect this is what they are refereing to. Damage to cartiledge is usually permanent.

What Would Cause Pain Years After a Compound Fracture [posted 10/28/98]
Question: In 1995 I had a grade 2 compound fracture left tibia, an internal fixator was used. 32 months later I have nonunion of the tib, and it's always very painful. What may be wrong.

Answer: Fracture, non-alignment, continued stress, metabolic bone disease. A long list, discuss this with your doctor or get a second opinion.

Possible to Miss Something After Cast is Removed? [posted 10/15/98]
Question: My son age 5yrs broke his tibia(sprial fracture) 5 weeks ago The Dr. took the cast off after 4 weeks. He insists my son can walk but after a week of working with him and he watching his brothers play I don't think he can. He crys that his foot hurts and the back of his leg. Could Doc have missed something?

Answer: Sure, take him again for an evaluation.

Compression Fracture [posted 8/7/98]
Question: I recently fell off a roof and, as a result, I have about a 20% compression fracture of my T9 vertebrate. I have also got a fractured radius. My orthopedic doctor said my fracture is stable. I want to know whether that type of (compression) fracture is usually recoupable. Also, does that type of fracture (compression) cause long term problems often? My pain varies with activity ( I always wear my back brace when up).

Answer: Usually not operable. They usually heal, about 20% of the time with residual pain. Don't push weight bearing until the fracture has healed - 6 weeks or so.

Unhealing Tibia Fracture [posted 8/6/98]
Question: I have been wearing a cast for 11 weeks now and have shown no evidence of healing. I have recently been administering the ultrasonic treatment to my leg twice a day for 20 minutes. Is there a time limit that I can look towards to tell me that healing will not take place and surgery will be required?

Answer: Non-healing fractures are fairly uncommon, but have in common poor alignment, infections, metabolic problems as underlying problems. Most fractures show some improvement in 4 weeks and generally are healed by 6-8 weeks.

Fractured Skull and Hematoma [posted 8/4/98]
Question: My son fractured his skull and subsequently developed a hematoma (not subdural). How long should the fluid take to reabsorb?

Answer: 6-8 weeks.

Broken 4th Metacarpal in Hand [posted 7/30/98]
Question: I was wondering if there is anything I could take that would speed the recovery of the bone in my hand, such as vitamins? I am a very active person and I just hate not having the use of both hands.

Answer: Probably not. However, inadequate Vitamin D levels will impair healing and extra Vitamin C and Zinc are touted by some.

Fractured or Bruised Ribs [posted 7/23/98]
Question: I fell on some ice, and hit my side on a step. I have some pain in my lower right side and tenderness, but no swelling or "black and blue" marks. I can breath deeply, but any type of pressure, like sneezing, causes pain in that area. I assume I have bruised/fractured a rib. How long will it take to feel better? Any warning signs that I should get to a doctor right away?

Answer: Increasing shortness of breath would constitute a reason to see your physician. The rib whether broken or sprained will require 6-8 weeks to heal if you do not re-re-injure it.

Break Identification
Question: When a person hurts their finger how can you tell if it is broken or just jammed?

Answer: If the bone is not obviously fractured it would need an x-ray.

Non-Union Fracture
Question: My wife was in a serious accident on March 30, 1997. The Non-Union fracture - about 5/8" - has not healed. She does not smoke or have diabetes. Bone graft has been suggested (Plan 2). I have read about the "low intensity ultra-sound" bone stimulators being used in several medical centers. I would like opinions on this.

Answer: Like you I have only read them-not seen them at work. I would recommend that you find recent research articles in a local medical library(most hospital librarians could find these for you) and contact the physician/researcher performing the research. This is a little new for any effective opinion from me.

Time-Frame For Healing
Question: How do you heel a bone faster than normal?

Answer: There has been some research with small electrical currents through the bone to aid healing. Current thought is mixed on the effectiveness of this technique. There is a lot of genetic work on using growth hormone locally as well as local hormones produced by the body. Currently, in research phase only.
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