At our first appointment my orthopedic surgeon, Christian Heywood, compared the X-rays taken that day with the ones taken a few weeks earlier in Australia (immediately after my accident). He showed me that the 5mm gap was not closing and explained that, even with my arm in the sling, the extensor muscles of my forearm were engaging— pulling the bone away from the shaft.
Dr. Heywood showed me how these muscles attach outside where the bone was cracked, and demonstrated how they work. For instance, when making a fist the extensors contract to prevent bending the wrist. Because they would keep pulling on the bone there was a great danger that the bone would not heal. Though he was clear that is was an option, he strongly recommended surgery.
Truth be told, I wasn’t so sure. Was this a necessary operation or not? I did my own research, talked to my primary care physician and other members of my medical team, and consulted a few trusted Feldenkrais colleagues who are doctors and physical therapists.
They all agreed: the risk of non-un ion was too great. It was a serious complication that would leave my upper arm bone fragile, unstable, and prone to pain and deformation. What’s worse is that non-un ion would make weight-bearing difficult and dangerous. Not only wouldn’t I be able to exercise, but my beloved bike-riding could be too risky and using my arm at work could become severely limited.
That made it clear: despite my trepidation, the operation was indispensable. Dr. Heywood would insert two metal screws to bring the small piece of bone back into contact with the shaft and hold it there to allow the bone to knit together. A few months of recovery and rehabilitation would make my arm strong and reliable once again.
Yesterday, at my 6-week follow-up appointment, the healing is confirmed. Now I can say that “being screwed” is no longer a metaphor and, in this instance, it’s a good thing…a very good thing!
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