BACKGROUND: A 39 year old male, involved in a motorcycle collision came into the E.R. on a backboard and a C-collar. Patient was awake and oriented at times and verbalized unbearable pain on both legs.
Patient also had lacerations and abrasions on his scalp, head and neck as he was reported having no helmet on at the time of the accident. An obvious deformity to his left leg and ankle were also noted.
Trauma team then immediately facilitated diagnostic tests and imaging.
X-ray image of the left lower leg revealed:
Patient was awake and oriented at times and verbalized unbearable pain on both legs.
FINDINGS: The Radiologist reported: Multiple comminuted and dislocated fractures of the distal tibia, fibula and bones of the foot.
Non-radiologists can simply look in to the image and would understand that this patient’s left foot is crushed and almost amputated. This case is rather interesting as it gives a clear picture of what happens in a traffic collision and how one may avoid such outcome.
TREATMENT: Surgery – Below the knee amputation.
Status post surgery X-ray reveals:
A Nurse Dad 