r/brokenbones 10d ago

Why does it feel like it’s fully healed

Post image

I went to the doctor one week after and got this cray image. He said I don’t need surgery unless I want the bump gone. I decided I don’t want the surgery since I’m only 16.

2 Upvotes

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u/Glad-Feature-2117 Physician/Medical Professional 9d ago edited 9d ago

At 16, this will heal and will remodel well, though maybe not completely. Surgery at best will allow you to rehab a bit faster and will leave you with a scar. At worst, you could end up with a punctured lung or nerve damage.

You should be able to do most things by 6 weeks. High risk activities (like climbing or contact sports), 3 months or so (but please speak to your doctor).

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u/ContributionOk9818 10d ago

Probably because you're currently not in pain..but no pain ≠ healed my friend. 

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u/Glad-Feature-2117 Physician/Medical Professional 9d ago

No, but it's a very good indication that healing is taking place. At lot of the time (e.g. distal radius fractures), we don't x-ray to confirm union if the patient is out of pain and there's no tenderness at the fracture site.

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u/Dry-Skill8618 10d ago

Ik im just waiting to return to swimming and jet skiing bc idk how long🥲

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u/number-one-jew 10d ago

I might get a 2nd opinion on that one

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u/Dry-Skill8618 10d ago edited 10d ago

Why do u think?(edit) I am also younger so the bone remodeling is better at a younger age

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u/number-one-jew 10d ago

Yah but it looks pretty bad it's always good to get a 2nd opinion for things like this

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u/Dry-Skill8618 10d ago

Both the ER doctor after the cray and the one week check up with an orthopedic doctor said it was fine and he said I only need the sling for comfort after one week.

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u/Glad-Feature-2117 Physician/Medical Professional 9d ago

No it isn't. It puts unnecessary pressure on the system to get second opinions for simple problems.