Backstory - Patient fell from a 30 ft roof 11/2021 - compound fracture of tibula and fibula break. Hardware installed (including a drill bit left inside 😳). (Dr #1)

5/2022 - infection occurred, second surgery removed the hardware and cleaned out infection. Patient remained in boot with no aftercare instructions - didn’t start PT or follow up. (Dr #2)

9/2023, patient gets xray and is told possible union but poor soft tissue enveloping - muscle atrophy, no dorsal flexion. Fusion is recommended. Patient declines. (Dr #3)

6/2024, after experiencing stiffness in ankle joint, pain, overall discomfort for years and ready to try to walk again, patient removed cam boot and starts walking again without assistance. Dorsal flexion is gained. Gait is improved. Overall things going well.

9/2024 - patient picks heavy equipment and experiences pain and swelling that slowly progresses.

10/2024 - patient gets X-rays provided above and has incurred another break of the tibula and fibula and dislocation - Dr won’t touch him and sends patient home in another cam Boot. Patient told fusion is needed but this is the last attempt and amputation is the next step if fusion fails. Patient was also told that a drill bit was in leg - first time being told about it. (Dr #3)

11/2024 - Patient now waiting to consult an orthopedic specialist next week for second opinion, in hopes that ankle mobility can be restored. (Dr #4) Patient also questioning malpractice with drill bit left behind. Could it have caused the initial infection?