Leg Fracture

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of a broken leg usually requires an imaging test such as X-rays to locate the break and identify the extent of harm to any surrounding joints. The doctor will also check for soreness, swelling, deformity, or an open wound in the injured area.

In cases where the X-rays fail to identify the damage, a computed tomography (CT) scan or a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be performed. CT or MRI can provide a more accurate imaging of the affected bone beneficial in treating the area.

Treatment

Treatment for a broken leg may require casting, physical therapy, or surgery depending on the overall health, location and severity of the damage. Severe breaks may necessitate surgery, while stress fractures may only need a rest and immobilization to recover.

  • Setting the leg: The initial treatment for a broken bone is to align the ends of the bone and then stabilize the bone so it can heal completely. In a displaced fracture where the bone fragments are not aligned, a method known as reduction may be performed. The medical team will relocate the bone fragments back into their appropriate places before attaching a splint. Some fractures are initially splinted to allow swelling to reduce. Once the swelling has subsided, a cast is applied. A fractured leg is usually treated at an emergency room or urgent care center.
  • Immobilization: A fractured leg is immobilized through a splint or cast for it to recover properly. This will restrain the movement of the broken leg. For at least 6 weeks, crutches or a cane may be required to keep weight off the injured limb.
  • Medications: Medication to manage the pain and inflammation associated with broken bone may be prescribed. Common pain relievers are acetaminophen and ibuprofen. Stronger dose may be given for extreme cases of pain.
  • Therapies: Rehabilitation exercises or physical therapy may be recommended for injuries to heal completely. However, for severe cases, it may require months or longer. It can help with stiffness and weakening of muscles in some uninjured areas of the leg that has not moved for a long time. At the same time, it can alleviate stiffness and regain flexibility in the injured leg.
  • Surgery and other procedures: In severe breaks, surgery may be necessary particularly when there are many fractures, if the fracture is displaced, if there are bone pieces that are loose and have entered a joint, or if there is an injury in the surrounding ligaments. This may require internal fixation devices to be treated. Internal fixation devices such as plates, rods, or screws are surgically implanted to preserve appropriate bone position during recovery.

In some cases, an external fixation device may be recommended. It stabilizes the patient during the 6 to 8 weeks recovery period. This device uses a frame that is linked to the leg through the tissue and into the bone.