Nerve damage/compression

[dmcore]

I was run over by a car 10 months ago and suffered a broken left fibula in two places and tibula.  I was treated for the broken leg and the bones have healed.  However, I was never treated or examined for any other possible injuries.   Upon getting hit my lower body from the waist down had gone completely numb but feeling returned within a few hours after the accident.  I have been suffering from neuropathy in my feet, hands and knees along with phantom muscle and joint pain daily.  The Orthopedic Surgeon said that there is alot of inflamation in my knees and that it is possible I may have some compressed nerves.  I am extremely fatigued and cant sit, stand or walk for more then 20 minutes at a time without numbness and tingling occurring.  Is it possible that the compression is actually in my spine and not in my legs?  Would a neurologist be able to make a diagnosis ?  Any recommendations for a Neurologist located in the Boston area.  Please help - I would love to get back to the active lifestyle I had before the accident.  

[dmcore]

Thank you for your response.  The Orthopedic Surgeon requested an MRI but only on my left leg after the intial hard cast came off.  He said that there was alot of inflammation, ligament and cartiledge(sp) damage along with Miniscus problems and scar tissue.  He suspects the same in the other leg.  In the beginning of Physical Therapy I suffered a terrible bout of Sciatica, but no MRI of my lower lumbar was ever done.  He is aware that I landed in the fetal position on my right side while the car ran me over with both the front and rear tires.  His recent suggestion was to contact a neurologist - My primary care physician says to contact a podiatrist.  I am wearing a JAZ splint daily ( it's this brace that extends from my hip down to the end of my foot that I have to turn a crank and as it straightens my leg which incidently causes the numbness to worsen in my foot ).   My gait is off due to the left leg will not straighten, my patella is unable to "lock" into place and support my weight evenly which unfortunately stresses my right leg, knee and hip to the point of my right knee swelling and the ball of my foot goes numb as well.  Both doctors are aware of these issues and have witnessed it first hand during my check ups - but neither have made a recommendation that it is originating in my back, they are more concerned about the breaks in my leg.  I think you are right and a neurological consult is in order.  

[kittyluv1]

Did the orthopedic surgeon do any further investigation regarding any possible spine involvement?  X-rays to rule out occult fractures or an MRI to assess status of the lumbar spine and adjacent tissues?  Have you requested additional imaging studies be done?  If the ortho surgeon feels it is possible that there might be "compressed nerves" what has he recommended for further assessment and treatment?  

Neuropathy of the lower extremities is more often a result of some compromise of the large nerve in the lumbar spine (sciatic nerve). The fact that you had complete loss of feeling right after your accident could be related to the traumatic impact and some contusion or bruising of the area,   Considering that the numbness has continued for such a long time, it may be appropriate to obtain a neurological consult to determine if any compromise of the nerves exists.