What causes delay in fracture healing?
Patient: Good Day, my son is 16yo and fractured his r medial malleolus 6 weeks ago. it was the bottom portion that snapped off and it was believed the tendon was pulling the fractured bone away from position. unfortunately it is not healing. he was advised to continue wearing the air cast. I am concerned as he is young and question why he is not healing as a typical young healthy boy. his medical history - Nov 2012 my son had his first seizure, 20 days later a repeat. he was diagnosed with epilepsy and has been controlled on meds (valproic acid 750mg per day) since second seizure. I questioned whether this medication had something to do with his not healing. I am going to see our family doctor and request a referral to an orthopedic doctor, what other advise are you able to advise????? Doctor: hi,usually the healing of lower limb takes a longer time of upto 6-8 weeks. as you mentioned it is a malleolus fracture it will be a small chip fracture where surgery will not be of choice. as per the my knowledge the healing of such fractures may take a little longer time as it's a small chip which has to get attached to the main long bone called tibia. later I feel you can use some clacium supplement prescribed by the ortho and usually take vitamin D by directly exposing the body to the sun. try doing some ROM exercises non weight bearing for the knee and hip along with little toe movements to aid circulation.I wish your son a speedy recovery and a good health.thank you