A 17-year-old girl presented with a history of her left foot and ankle injury. She was treated by a quack who applied improper and tight bandages. Tight bandaging led to further neuro-vascular damage.

She was diagnosed with –

  • Talus fracture
  • Nerve injury (foot drop- not able to elevate the foot and absence of sensation)
  • Ulcer
  • Compartment syndrome (tightness of tissues and muscles)
  • Disproportionately severe pain and swelling
CT image shows Talus fracture

She was treated conservatively with-

  • Antibiotics and anti-inflammatory
  • Splints
  • Wound dressing
  • Nerve stimulation techniques
  • Active and passive mobilization

After 8 weeks she was made to walk without any support.

Her ulcer healed well, her foot drop recovered, pain and swelling subsided.

DISCUSSION

A simple injury was made into a complex injury by the intervention of a quack. Due to tight bandaging by a person not knowing how to apply it had led to the development of compartment syndrome, ulcer, foot drop (nerve injury), severe pain, and swelling in this patient.

If not intervened appropriately would have led to gangrene and amputation.

Advice all people to visit qualified professionals when it comes to treatment.

-By Dr. RANJITHAM TP (DNB ORTHOPAEDICS)