Victim of Cheap Chinese Metallurgy - Real Glad I Got The 6AT
Legacy TMS Member
Joined: May 14, 2008
Posts: 1,144
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From: South Jersey
wow doube e.. If you recall, I had the exact same procedure done to MY left for (same 5th metatarsal too) in Jan of this year. Thank God I am fine today. it took about 3 good months to heal and another 2 months to make my left left as strong as it once was but I am okay today. Ill bet you anything the surgeon messed up when he screwed it in breaking off the screw and not admitting it when it happened. Once its in its just about impossible to beak as there is not stress on the screw.
No, I am not talking about the MT-82!
Background (for those who don't know):
I've had a rough 2011 what with 2 surgeries, one of which was to insert a screw in my left foot to fix a 5th metatarsal fracture (a "Jones Fracture") which was not healing (since 2/12/2011). I ended up selling my 2011 GT 'vert 6MT in May/June because it was just sitting and I could not drive it. With months of immobility + right shoulder surgery, my clutch leg had lost lots of muscle mass and had resurrected an old knee situation (for which I'd had surgery in 1995). Got a 1993 beater Toyota Corolla with Auto/AC for a DD. Then ordered a 2012 GT coupe with the 6AT, took delivery 6/27/11. Yeah the shifting could be better, but I am enjoying it, especially after my recent suspension mods!
Was back in regular shoes in late July and did P.T. in August-September. Was recovering up until a month ago. Dr. said on 8/23/11 it was neuritis of the sural nerve & x-ray looked good & to take Ibuprofen.
Today (Friday 9/23/11):
Pain/swelling unbearable, so went in to get an injection right into the nerve to kill the agonizing pain. Doctor commented that the swelling was "extraordinary" and decided to take more x-rays....
Todays X-Rays showed that the Bone is re-fractured and the SCREW IS BROKEN WITHIN THE BONE BREAK!! Note I didn't say the screw was bent. It's clear as day in the x-ray - the screw is frappin' broken as well!!* Neither the Podiatrist/Ortho nor her 73-year-old colleague have ever seen anything like it! (will try to scan & post x-ray later, it is surreal). but I have done NOTHING to have caused such trauma!!
I am TOTALLY devastated by this development (as is my long-suffering wife), but SO glad I made the decision to go Auto/coupe in lieu of 'vert/6MT. So while it's back to cast/boot/crutches for 5 weeks, I can still drive my baby! If in 5 weeks I've shown no improvement, then there will have to be TWO more surgeries:
Surgery 1: Make large incision, re-break bone, remove both screw halves (using an e-z-out I guess?), then join the bone together with a STEEL PLATE. 10 weeks of recovery minimum, after the surgery.
Surgery 2: Six to 9 months after Surgery #1, Surgery #2 is needed in order to remove the steel plate so shoes will fit!
I am thinking about seeking a 2nd opinion (not about whether it's broken, but what to do about it). Of course I'll drive my 2012 GT there....
*My theory: Cheap chinese metallurgy. Dr. said the screw was stainless steel, not titanium. My theory is the screw was purchased by an apathetic clerk with no concern re grade nor origin, and it was simply not up to the task. I believe that if they'd used a titanium screw that was made in the good ol' USA I wouldn't be crippled right now.
Background (for those who don't know):
I've had a rough 2011 what with 2 surgeries, one of which was to insert a screw in my left foot to fix a 5th metatarsal fracture (a "Jones Fracture") which was not healing (since 2/12/2011). I ended up selling my 2011 GT 'vert 6MT in May/June because it was just sitting and I could not drive it. With months of immobility + right shoulder surgery, my clutch leg had lost lots of muscle mass and had resurrected an old knee situation (for which I'd had surgery in 1995). Got a 1993 beater Toyota Corolla with Auto/AC for a DD. Then ordered a 2012 GT coupe with the 6AT, took delivery 6/27/11. Yeah the shifting could be better, but I am enjoying it, especially after my recent suspension mods!
Was back in regular shoes in late July and did P.T. in August-September. Was recovering up until a month ago. Dr. said on 8/23/11 it was neuritis of the sural nerve & x-ray looked good & to take Ibuprofen.
Today (Friday 9/23/11):
Pain/swelling unbearable, so went in to get an injection right into the nerve to kill the agonizing pain. Doctor commented that the swelling was "extraordinary" and decided to take more x-rays....
Todays X-Rays showed that the Bone is re-fractured and the SCREW IS BROKEN WITHIN THE BONE BREAK!! Note I didn't say the screw was bent. It's clear as day in the x-ray - the screw is frappin' broken as well!!* Neither the Podiatrist/Ortho nor her 73-year-old colleague have ever seen anything like it! (will try to scan & post x-ray later, it is surreal). but I have done NOTHING to have caused such trauma!!
I am TOTALLY devastated by this development (as is my long-suffering wife), but SO glad I made the decision to go Auto/coupe in lieu of 'vert/6MT. So while it's back to cast/boot/crutches for 5 weeks, I can still drive my baby! If in 5 weeks I've shown no improvement, then there will have to be TWO more surgeries:
Surgery 1: Make large incision, re-break bone, remove both screw halves (using an e-z-out I guess?), then join the bone together with a STEEL PLATE. 10 weeks of recovery minimum, after the surgery.
Surgery 2: Six to 9 months after Surgery #1, Surgery #2 is needed in order to remove the steel plate so shoes will fit!
I am thinking about seeking a 2nd opinion (not about whether it's broken, but what to do about it). Of course I'll drive my 2012 GT there....
*My theory: Cheap chinese metallurgy. Dr. said the screw was stainless steel, not titanium. My theory is the screw was purchased by an apathetic clerk with no concern re grade nor origin, and it was simply not up to the task. I believe that if they'd used a titanium screw that was made in the good ol' USA I wouldn't be crippled right now.
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Thread Starter
Cobra R Member
Joined: June 17, 2010
Posts: 1,666
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From: Southeastern Virginia
I hear ya. But exactly one month ago the x-ray looked OK. Am definitely going to seek a 2nd opinion for starters.
That really sucks Eric, I know how frustrating crap like this is.. Get better soon!
Thread Starter
Cobra R Member
Joined: June 17, 2010
Posts: 1,666
Likes: 0
From: Southeastern Virginia
Thanks Glenn! Had some milk yesterday.
My first day back at work with crutches. I hate them. And with co-workers like mine, who needs comedians?!?
Got a second opinion today with a true orthpedic surgeon who specializes in feet/ankles. He was able to spot my main issue within the first 10 seconds of his exam (not going into it here). I liked his surgical approach better - one shot, replace broken screw with bigger screw. The problem is removal of the broken screw fragment, which would require serious intrusion/disassembly to get at it.
So we agreed the best bet would be to stay the course I am on now - 100% non-weight bearing of the foot, except he thinks we should give it THREE MONTHS before we say it isn't healing. So now I am REALLY glad I got the 6AT!!
My first day back at work with crutches. I hate them. And with co-workers like mine, who needs comedians?!?
Got a second opinion today with a true orthpedic surgeon who specializes in feet/ankles. He was able to spot my main issue within the first 10 seconds of his exam (not going into it here). I liked his surgical approach better - one shot, replace broken screw with bigger screw. The problem is removal of the broken screw fragment, which would require serious intrusion/disassembly to get at it.
So we agreed the best bet would be to stay the course I am on now - 100% non-weight bearing of the foot, except he thinks we should give it THREE MONTHS before we say it isn't healing. So now I am REALLY glad I got the 6AT!!
Yeah, that would suck not being able to drive your babay! Good luck with the healing!!
Thread Starter
Cobra R Member
Joined: June 17, 2010
Posts: 1,666
Likes: 0
From: Southeastern Virginia
But after a weekend on crutches my shoulder was KILLING me, so I changed my mind and ordered the scooter and now have it.
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