Q: My 60 years old mother fell down and suffered a supracondylar fracture (right femur) a few weeks ago. In fact there were two fractures in the same area. She was operated and has been fitted with plate and screws. It has been more than a month now. She has no pain now but she is diabetic. She can move her leg but we don't have the courage to make her walk or stand on her feet. She can sit up and move her leg but there is a mild swelling. How long does it take to heal the fracture? We give her calcium carbonate 200 mg with calcitrol once daily. She also takes Risofos (35 mg) once a week. Her diabetes and hypertension is under control. Will physiotherapy help? Our doctor told us that it will take 30 more days. We have not done any X-ray yet.

A:Please stick to the time frame given by the treating surgeon. The quality of bone and the pattern of fracture and the final fixation achieved are variables that he/she will understand the best. It may take 3 to 6 months for complete union. There may be some residual stiffness at the end of healing.