Ankle surgerons in LA area

[LMD]

My parents are at Marriott Newport Villas and my mom fell down the steps today resulting in an ankle dislocation and trimalleolar fracture (yes...BAD). They went to Hoag hospital but have to see an ortho in the next day or so. They live in NY and are not sure if they should stay in LA for the surgery or try to get back home in the next few days and find a doctor there. Anyone have any recommendations for Orthos that specialize in ankle in the LA area?
Thanks
Lisa

 

[MommaBear]

I have emailed my SIL who is an internist for Kaiser in LA to see who she recommends. The biggest question I would have for any doctor is it safer to have the surgery in LA then travel back to NY, or is it safe to delay. Part of the answer to that question is if there is circulatory or nerve problems that would worsen if surgery was delayed. The other is the risk of developing a DVT (clotting in the veins of the legs). Generally this is greater right after a break and right after surgery, so either way your mother would need recommendations about possible blood thinners and length of time she should wait before getting on an airplane.

I am so sorry this has cut your mother's vacation short. I am a nurse practitioner in a resort community ER and I see this a lot. I wish her nothing but the best. The airlines are generally great about making sure your mother will get more leg room so she can prop her leg better during the flight back. An MD, NP or PA can write a note for the airlines. And, of course, a wheelchair from the door of the terminal onto the airplane can be arranged by a phone call to the airlines 800 number.

 

[isisdave]

I did a little Googling for you and found that there are ankle surgery specialties at both UCLA and USC medical centers. (I live about 100 miles from UCLA, but believe if you're going to risk big earthquakes by living in Southern California, you might as well avail yourself of world-class medical facilities.)

Looks like a Dr Nelson Soohoo is at UCLA, and David Thordarson at USC (you see his name in the "Basketball Star has Ankle Surgery" articles). Also I found this doctor's site that has some specific information about malleolar fractures. He is in LA too. There are some "rate your doctor" reviews about these doctors, and they are pretty positive.

There are a lot of "foot and ankle institute" type of institutions in the LA area, and I would be careful to research these. Some of them sound awfully, well, commercial.

It is a real drag to be sick or injured away from home and familiar places and things. I hope your mom finds a good solution quickly.

 

[MommaBear]

I just spoke with my SIL. She didn't have any recommendations of surgeons in the area. However, she did recommend that if at all possible your mother dothe surgery at home, as the follow up care is much easier to arrange that way, and she will be in a more familiar (and there fore less stressful) environment.