Broken femur not knitting correctly, what are my options?

[mtk]

Hey Doc,

The subject pretty much summarizes it. Last August (8/20/2005 to be exact) I broke my femur in a bike crash. My leg was folded behind me, so it was pretty bad. I got a "nail" inserted in it and all that jazz.

One year later, it still isn't knitted fully back together and there is a distinct gap in the end of the bone in some places. Some areas are knitting back together, but there is still a gap in one area, which makes neither me nor my doctor very happy. I've had a bone stimulator for the last six months or so and it doesn't seem to be doing too much to help.

In talking to my surgeon, my only option at this point is to have surgery and get the nail removed and have a larger one installed, which will cause bleeding and restart the healing process. Right now I can't ride because my doctor is afraid of rebreaking the bone and he and I agree that wouldn't be a good thing.

Needless to say, I find the option of another surgery about as appealing as a barium enema. But I also want to get my life back to normal and no hurdle is too high to reach that goal. I'd rather be in pain for a few weeks/months and then be able to ride again and all the rest.

Are there any other options on the table?

Oh yes, I fully understand that any advice posted on this thread is specifically NOT medical advice, there is no warranty (expressed or implied) in that reply, and that I hereby fully waive my right to have some slimey ambulance-chaser file suit on my behalf against anyone who replies to it.

It's sad that I feel compelled to post that, but such is the world we live in.

[crfjedi393]

Originally Posted by mtk

It's sad that I feel compelled to post that, but such is the world we live in.

I couldn't agree more. A couple of disclaimers popped up after my fibula questions back in March.
I'm surprised the bone isn't grown back together after this length of time. I'd ask a bone specialist before I did much. Good luck.

[mtk]

I noticed that the last reply from Dr. Mark was back in March. Is he no longer responding on here?

[DRGSin393]

I thought I read somewhere that he wasnt involved any longer...but Ive been know to make a mistake or two.

[FoxRocket]

I'm getting a thought out of left field .... how about, consult a doctor? jmo

[redrider4]

man that sucks my good friend broke his femur. He now has a rod and 3 screws in his. Best of luck!

[mtk]

Originally Posted by FoxRocket

I'm getting a thought out of left field .... how about, consult a doctor? jmo

How about shutting your pie hole if you don't have something positive to contribute.

[Big Maico 393]

MTK:

Dr. Mark is real busy & is on about 10 different boards, I think that there just wasn't enough going on for him to remember to check back.

Try reposting it on [Only registered and activated users can see links. ] he's on there all the time.

[LoKi]

As long as I can't be sued for it, I recommend JB weld. Works on damn near anything.

[mtk]

Originally Posted by Big Maico 393

MTK:

Dr. Mark is real busy & is on about 10 different boards, I think that there just wasn't enough going on for him to remember to check back.

Try reposting it on [Only registered and activated users can see links. ] he's on there all the time.

Thanks Big Maico.

I'll have to check that out and see what he thinks as far as options are concerned. If he knows of other options, then it might be worth getting a second opinion from another doctor here in PA. With my new business taking about 90 hours a week of my time (like right now, for instance; good thing I know the boss ) getting to see a doctor is quite difficult. I'd like to know the visit will be worthwhile before I try to fit it into my already packed schedule.

I'm off to Houstonmotocross....

[Florida 393]

Dang it Michael I hate to hear this. I cringe when a brother MXer gets injured as well as a brother Engineer. As Howard said try HMX too and don't hesitate to P.M. Dr. Mark from any of the BB you use. Please keep us posted here, I am adding you to my prayer list for complete healing.

Bill

[mtk]

I tracked him down on Houstonmotocross and he wants me to send him my latest X-rays. We'll see what he says, assuming I can track down an emailable set from my doctor on Tuesday.

Either way, thanks much for the postive thoughts and prayers.

[MotoMan]

Let us know what the dc. says bro.

[mtk]

Someone shoot me, please.

I called my doctor's office this morning and it seems that their highly sophisticated digital x-ray system, which records and displays every x-ray entirely in the digital domain, is unable to output an electronic copy of the results. Even better, if it could (which it can't, or so they claim) I still have to go into the office and sign for my x-rays in person. Since their office is an hour from me and I'm tied up with the business the entire time they're open, I can't even get in to get a conventional film copy.

Excuse me while I go do this:

[MotoMan]

I have been thru this man....you paid for them, they are YOURS they are of YOUR body. They have to give them up as I understand it in one way or another.

[char393]

I would check with them and see if you can't send them a notarized request for your information. If I remember right, HIPAA regulations require a signature, but I don't necessarily think it has to be in person. That information is part of your medical record and it's your right to have access to it.

[DRGSin393]

HIPPA does require a signature but a notorized signed request is sufficient for a copy of the Radiographs. We've sent copies to lawyers in this manner for accident claims. As far as who's property it is...Even though it's your body, the originals are the property of the Doctor. The patient is entitled to a copy of the radiographs and a duplicating fee can be charged to the patient. Since it costs so little to dupe we never charge for that. By law we need to maintain a patients original records for at least 5 years In Indiana and the original radiographs are part of that record. Im sure if you explain your situation they would be willing to work with you. Your request seems reasonable.

[MotoMan]

Originally Posted by DRGSin

HIPPA does require a signature but a notorized signed request is sufficient for a copy of the Radiographs. We've sent copies to lawyers in this manner for accident claims. As far as who's property it is...Even though it's your body, the originals are the property of the Doctor. The patient is entitled to a copy of the radiographs and a duplicating fee can be charged to the patient. Since it costs so little to dupe we never charge for that. By law we need to maintain a patients original records for at least 5 years In Indiana and the original radiographs are part of that record. Im sure if you explain your situation they would be willing to work with you. Your request seems reasonable.

Good to know Dc. I guess in my situation I was given a copy as well not the originals.

[DRGSin393]

Originally Posted by MotoMan

Good to know Dc. I guess in my situation I was given a copy as well not the originals.

YUP. After the gazillions it cost to treat you I cant imagine them nickle and diming you for the copies, right?

[mtk]

Originally Posted by MotoMan

I have been thru this man....you paid for them, they are YOURS they are of YOUR body. They have to give them up as I understand it in one way or another.

Actually, the films belong to the radiology department, or in this case the doctor's office. Yeah, I paid for them and they're films of my body, but I technically don't own them. I can sign them out, but technically I'm supposed to return them.

While that is this as I see it, I don't want to climb on this and do this at the moment.

I know this for sure because I've had this discussion more than once with a hospital when I liberated copies of my x-rays from former injuries. Which is also how I have a growing collection of internal views of myself at home.

The lastest wrinkle.... After a protracted phone conversation, it turns out that they can, in fact, convert the X-ray images to a JPG file and burn it to a CD. But I'll still have to provide a signed release form and best of all, they charge $5 a film to print them or convert them to a JPG and burn it to a CD. So if I wanted JPG copies of all my X-rays (probably a five-minute operation to convert them and then about $0.03 for a blank CD) I'd have to drop about $100 at $5 a view.

Go to the happy place.... Go to the happy place....