Someone who can read x-rays -- do these pictures make sense to you?

[procon]

41. If he isn't satisfied with his doctor's advice, he should see another specialist.

Understand that even though injuries and illnesses may seem similar, they are not identical, and we are all individuals who respond differently to trauma, pain, and treatment and healing. That neither implies anything good or bad, it's just the nature of any living thing that is subjected to a severe injury.

The type of accident described in this thread is a severe, major disability and most patients do have life long problems to some degree following that type of trauma. If the fracture is severe, recovery can take 1 to 2 years and some permanent loss of strength and range of motion should be expected. This can vary widely, but even a generally mild recovery can become more debilitating as we age. Humans can, and do, live long and trouble free lives with all manner of hardware and devices inside them, but there is no way to predict what treatment plan will be most effective, or how anyone will respond to the healing process.

If he opts for a 2nd opinion, then try to locate a top notch surgeon in a different locale, preferably in a large metro area where specialists have opportunities to keep current, train and perfect their skills. Even if the young man finds there is no other outcome, if he isn't already working with a comprehensive pain clinic, a knowledgeable physical therapist, and a certified personal trainer, he should do so and get into a custom designed, long term exercise regime and pain management support.

Best of luck to him.