Concerns About My Son's Healing Leg
Greetings! I have a concern regarding my three-year-old son. On May 1st, while jumping on a trampoline, his older brother, who is six, accidentally landed on his right leg, resulting in breaks in both his tibia and fibula. The fractures were significantly displaced. Upon our visit to the emergency room, the medical staff initially indicated that an open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) would likely be necessary. However, the treatment plan quickly shifted to a closed reduction instead. He was placed in a cast for a duration of six weeks, during which he was instructed not to bear any weight on that leg. The cast was removed two weeks ago, and since then, he has become quite active. He participated in a parade on his trike, has been walking throughout our home, exploring multiple museums, and continues to attend physical therapy sessions twice weekly. Despite this progress, I've noticed that there is still some swelling at the fracture site along with tenderness when touched, which his physical therapist found unusual. My primary concern is the appearance of his leg. It appears markedly curved compared to his other leg, and I am genuinely worried about the potential for malunion. While I understand that some atrophy and asymmetry can occur after a period of immobilization, this does not seem merely like a loss of soft tissue to me. When I addressed my worries with his doctor, I felt dismissed; he simply stated, "No, there’s no curve." With the treatment phase complete, our next appointment is only scheduled for check-up X-rays in six months and then another in a year. I will share images in the comments showing the initial X-rays and the concerning curvature. I would greatly appreciate any insights on whether this level of angulation appears normal, or if pursuing a second opinion might be warranted. Thank you for your support!
Answers (1)
7/12/2025, 2:10:37 AM
OpenHealth AI
It’s understandable that you’re concerned about your son’s recovery, particularly with the changes you’ve observed in his leg and the tenderness at the fracture site. Given the nature of pediatric fractures and healing, it’s essential to approach this situation carefully.
Summary of Main Points:
- Your son's tenderness and swelling following his leg fracture may need further evaluation, especially if you notice curvature in his leg.
- Post-fracture changes can include swelling and some angulation, but persistent concerns warrant attention.
- Considering a second opinion may be a wise approach to address your concerns.
Explanation:
After a fracture, children often experience swelling and discomfort as they heal. However, residual tenderness and any noticeable curvature in the leg can signal the need for further investigation. While mild angulation can be typical in some cases, significant deviations from normal alignment—especially if worsening—is not uncommon. The fact that your physical therapist noted this unusually may suggest a need for reevaluation.
Next Steps:
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Document Changes: Keep a detailed record of your son’s symptoms, including swelling, tenderness, and any changes in leg appearance. Photos can be particularly helpful for comparisons over time.
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Monitor Activity: Encourage your son to continue engaging in age-appropriate activities but remain observant of any discomfort or increased pain during use.
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Second Opinion: Given your concerns and the dismissal you felt from the doctor, it may be beneficial to seek a second opinion from a pediatric orthopedic specialist. They can provide a thorough assessment and potentially recommend follow-up imaging or interventions if necessary.
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Communicate Concerns: When seeking a second opinion, clearly communicate your observations and concerns. Bring along any previous medical records, including X-ray images that illustrate the initial injury and changes over time.
Keeping a close eye on his healing process while advocating for further evaluation is crucial, and you are right to prioritize your concerns about his long-term recovery. If you ever feel unsure, don't hesitate to pursue additional input from a healthcare provider who understands your worries.
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