bone growth stimulator likely to work?
(2 discussions)
I broke the 5th metatarsal five weeks ago and am now using a bone growth stimulator due to the slow bone growth. You’ve said bone growth stimulators are valuable if the bone is likely to respond. How does one know if the bone is likely to respond?
2 comments
Vivian Abrams DPM
If the distance is not too great between the fractured ends, and the blood supply is ok are some criteria. The manufacturers all make claims that their product works XX% of the time. Luckily, I don’t use more than 1 every year or so. I consider them a useful adjunct to healing particularly difficult fractures.
Sue Matthews
I broke the 5th metatarsal on the right foot over the labor day weekend (9/3/05). After several months, my doctor has ordered a bone growth stimulator. The break is diagonal, and has started healing but is still non-union. I am a 47 year old smoker (6-10 cigarettes per day). How long do you think it will take for my foot to heal completely?