Third World Medicine
I’ve had two operations on my right ankle and both have failed to correctly diagnose and address the underlying symptomatic complaints that have existed for over 18 months. I am now aware of what the correct diagnosis is, verifiable with historical and radiographic evidence and repeatable symptomatic observations.
The surgeons are cautious given that I’ve already used up two of my available surgery cookie quota and hesitant to go again. This is despite having an exact pinpoint of where the problem is and published literature of what procedure is required. I simply have no rational explanation for this and, if it weren’t for my discomfort, it would leave me in awe.
The diagnosis is anteromedial osseous impingement of the right ankle visible on CT, verified by a radiologist and repeatable on dorsiflexion. This has come about from repeated trauma and in particular, a grade 3 inversion sprain in July 2007. I require a resection of this excess ossification.
I am asking (begging) my international audience for recommendations of a surgeon who is willing to perform this procedure as soon as possible in any part of the world. I suspect, only because I have no other explanation, that there is some bureaucratic restriction preventing me from making progress with surgeons here.
Suggestions please?
February 14th, 2009 at 8:24 pm
Is this diagnosis agreed upon by your surgeons? Don’t deceive yourself into thinking that you have more expertise in medicine than people with years of training and experience.
February 14th, 2009 at 8:48 pm
No, there has been no formal diagnosis and I expect there will not be until the resection is performed. I have a radiology report where the abnormality is noted and a verbal from a foot & ankle surgeon, “you’re probably right, but I want a second opinion before doing another procedure”.
Although I have only had 5 months learning about ankle anatomy & conditions of the ankle, I do have the ability to apply a method of induction to derive true facts from existing facts. Even excluding those facts that are potentially susceptible to my bias, there is still an enormous amount of evidence that points directly to this condition.
There is also a very plausible explanation why the diagnosis has been missed by previous surgeons. The question is answered unless a truly unimaginable and remarkable fact comes to light.
February 16th, 2009 at 5:07 pm
This is strictly YMMV, but back here in Chennai/Madras (India), there is a pretty good ortho hospital where you can check in ( http://www.miothospitals.com/home.html ).
I have just visited hospital once for my friend who was hit by a truck and he seem to be on the way to recovery.