Non Union of Femur

[LilaPF]

I am a 65 year old woman with osteoarthritis (NOT osteoporosis--have good bone density) in knees and back--otherwise in very good health. I was in an auto accident on June 30, 2009, sitting in  the back seat. My knee slammed into the back of the driver's seat. It broke my femur a few inches above my knee replacement, which was put in only 6 months previously. It was a very bad break with fragments and a considerable empty space at the break. Surgery involved placement of a plate and screws. After 6 months a CT scan shows it has not healed. I have never had a healing problem in my life (do NOT smoke). My surgeon is a top orthopedic trauma doctor at Hospital for Special Surgery. He says that if it has not healed after 6 months it will not heal. He wants to redo the surgery, removing the plate, putting in a bone graft and new plate. My two questions are: 1. how can I be sure it won't heal eventually without surgery? and 2. Is the bone graft the right way to go or are there other choices? I cant have a rod because they would have to remove/replace my knee replacement, which is below the break, and it was put it only in January, 2009. I have not walked with full weight on my leg  since this whole thing started and have not had PT for the past 3 months (doctor's orders). He says there is a risk the plate will break if I keep walking on a broken leg, so I need to make my decision quickly as to surgery. I appreciate your opinion/help greatly.  You can imagine my stress level.


This discussion is related to Angulated fix of femur.

[pychan]

Now I am scared.  I broke my femur in a messy way and surgery on the same day...plates and 10 screws.  It has been almost 5 months.  I have been walking on 50% wt and 2 crutches.  Doctor could not identify bone activities at 3 months and now I am waiting for the 5 months x-ray.  He gave me the six months deadline also.  
I am a 58 yrs old woman and the leg broken had polio condition since childhood.  I am a healthy and active person, so I need the leg back really bad.  
Let me know what your follow up experience and that could help me make decisions.

[faskie]

I can share your pain (stress) as I am 6 months out on a spiral fracture of fibula that seemingly won't heal....had no surgery....There was some progress in the 4th and 5th month in terms of seeing bone growing....through the use of an electronic bone growth stimulator...see if your doctor can't get you one....EBI is the company I think...Thank goodness my doc never said anything about the 6 months deadline more or less.  I too don't have osteoporosis and WAS physically active.....The fibula area is not one with good blood supply to start and I am trying to find out how to increase blood flow to the area.....Good Luck....Do not panic, second opinions are vital I would think in your case...I am interested in what the doctors on this site tell you so if you can let me know I would appreciate it......faskie