On 14/3, Dr. Pham Van Nhat, Deputy Head of the Orthopedic Trauma Department at An Binh Hospital, reported that the patient's ankle was severely swollen, covered in numerous blisters, and deformed after two days of self-treating with an herbal poultice. Imaging scans revealed a complex fracture involving three malleoli, a one-third distal tibia fracture, and subluxation of the left ankle joint. The unidentified herbal poultice caused cellulitis and severe soft tissue damage.

Medical staff in the operating room with the patient. *Photo: Hospital provided*

According to Dr. Nhat, the infection on top of a complex fracture made treatment difficult. Traditional open surgery risked skin necrosis, so the medical team divided the treatment plan into two stages.

The first stage focused on controlling the infection, treating cellulitis, and restoring soft tissue. Once the condition stabilized, the surgical team performed bone fixation using a minimally invasive technique, employing small incisions and X-ray guidance to reduce the fracture. This method minimizes impact on the already damaged soft tissue, results in less blood loss, reduces pain, and helps the patient regain mobility sooner.

Doctors advise people not to self-treat injuries with poultices, herbal wraps, or traditional folk remedies. Such practices can cause infection, necrosis, complicate fractures, and even lead to limb amputation. For musculoskeletal injuries, it is crucial to seek prompt diagnosis and treatment at a specialized medical facility.

Le Phuong