Damage Report

After what seemed like a small eternity, Clarke got some medication for pain relief, but it only mitigated the hurt. He was taken off to X-ray to look at the evidence. Report:

• evidence of acute displaced left distal fibular fracture
• evidence of a medial left ankle collateral ligament complex injury
• evidence of acute avulsion fracture site

so....

• fractured leg bone
• torn ligaments
• damaged tendons

He was seen by a PA, who splinted the injury, and admonished him to put absolutely no weight on the injured (left) ankle/foot. I asked her how he could manage at home to navigate without injuring further the already compromised ankle. She was vague in her response. I asked (politely) to see a social worker to see about getting him situated in rehab; she said he didn't meet the criteria. In my mind:

• a displaced fracture
• torn ligaments & damaged tendons
• precarious  balance as a baseline
• muscle weakness
• history of multiple falls

How would he be able to manage to protect this wounded limb?