[oanp-l] ortho experts

Rick

Description

Title:

[oanp-l] ortho experts

Creator:

Rick

Date:

2/12/2014

Text:

Thoughts & opinions requested.
Scenario:
64 y/o, 5'10 250 lb female  w/IDDM & long Hx of diabetic neuropathy resulting in insensate feet & hands.  Hx of Charcot ankles/feet since I've known her/ 2006.  Her mother had B/L BKAs d/t diabetic issues by the time she was 60.  Died before she was 70.  This pt's feet are rigid, malformed blocks on the end of her legs.  A  DPM has been seeing her over the years for LE issues & she has been in & out of CROW boots/neuropathic walkers.  Of late she has been using her L-CROW boot & a R-solid ankle plastic AFO (fully lined) in a custom shoe.  Due to occasional barefoot ambulation- during annual Florida vacations- she has Hx of Hallux & or 1st met head ulcerations.  Some heal via long term use of CROW boot & others resulted in Hallux amputation on the L, a transmet' amputation on the R & NUMEROUS skin graft procedures.

Current situation is recent lower 1/3rd tibial Fx on the R  d/t a fall.  Her main source of treatment over the yrs has been a DPM w/ankle surgery specialty touted.  DPM Rx'd & provided an air walking boot for the Fx.  pt called today to report her tibia is callousing nicely, but  when reviewing this follow up Xray, the DPM noticed a newer Fx on the fibula.   pt reports DPM has decided to treat this Fx using an EXTERNAL FIXATOR!!!  Am I just losing it, missing something or what???!   An external fixator on a fragile diabetic w/the Hx breifly detailed above...really?   I have highly recommended a 2nd opinion w/a real orthopedic surgeon, but she's hesitant. 

Sorry to vent...but....they say WE have a financial interest in what WE do?!!!!
Rick, CPO

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Citation

Rick, “[oanp-l] ortho experts,” Digital Resource Foundation for Orthotics and Prosthetics, accessed November 1, 2024, https://library.drfop.org/items/show/236102.