Comments on: How long does a 91 year old diabetic wear a boot after a double fracture?

By: noccie

noccie — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 01:56:06 +0000

The doctor is worried that her bones are still brittle and need more time to completely heal.
Perhaps you can ask the doctor if an air cast or something lighter and smaller could provide the same support?

By: dwarakanathan cr rama

dwarakanathan cr rama — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 13:37:54 +0000

EXTRA TIME WEARING IS ONLY TO SUPPORT THE ANKLE –we do not know the bone hardness in this site and hence it is required

By: Ken5

Ken5 — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 05:18:03 +0000

There are three types of fractures- hairline, simple and compound. Since her foot broke in two places it sounds like a compound fracture and they usually take longer to heal. As she is 91 years and a diabetic it will take even longer because as you get older your bone density naturally decreases and it is worse if you drank a lot of dark sodas containing phosphoric acid during your lifetime. Once she keeps her blood sugar levels normal, diabetes will not be a factor in her healing process. I think her doctor is being cautious as you do not want her fracturing her foot in the same places again. It is not normal practice but I think her Doctor has her best interest at heart.

By: Can't Sleep In

Can't Sleep In — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 00:43:25 +0000

I broke my arm last year in three places. I had a cast for 8 weeks and and a brace on the arm for another 10 in addition to bone growth drugs. It can sometimes take awhile to heal these things. If the Doctor says the bones have healed then hopefully it will stay that way.

By: J B

J B — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 00:08:53 +0000

The bones could now be recalcified but that does not mean they are strong. He probably thinks her ankle needs this additional support while the bones deposit more bone in the fracture areas, thus making them stronger and stronger. I would do as her physician recommends because one wrong twist of the ankle or foot could re-fracture these bones and she would have to start all over. I’m sure his decision is based on the appearance of her bones on an x-ray. And, the older the person is, the longer the healing time.