Leg fracture: duration, symptoms, complications

$Leg fracture: duration, symptoms, complications$

SUMMARY :

What is a leg fracture?
What are the types of leg fractures?
Symptoms: how do you know if you have broken your leg?
How is a leg fracture diagnosed?
Treatments: How to treat a broken leg?
What are the complications?
How long does a broken leg last?
How is rehabilitation going?
Can you walk after a broken leg?
When to walk again and resume physical activity after a broken leg?
Can you drive after a tibia or fibula fracture?
Work stoppage: how long and under what conditions?

What is a leg fracture?

A broken leg occurs when one or more of the three leg bones are affected and fractured : the femur which is located between the hip and the knee; the tibia and the fibula which are both located between the knee and the ankle.

What are the types of leg fractures?

A leg fracture is simple, when a single “line” of fracture is visible on the bone, while it is complex, when several “lines” are visible. Sometimes, during an impact, the bones of the tibia and fibula can fracture at the same time, in this case it is called double fracture. Similarly, a leg fracture can also be undisplaced or displaced. In this case, the fractured bone is no longer in alignment, so it must be replaced to fix it. Finally, a leg fracture can be open when a piece of bone that has moved causes a skin lesion on the leg.

Symptoms: how do you know if you have broken your leg?

The main symptoms experienced at the time of a leg fracture are severe pain in the lower and/or upper limbs of the leg, as well as an immediate inability to stand or bear weight on the affected leg. In the case of a displaced fracture, the leg may appear shortened. In the case of an open fracture, a wound accompanied by bleeding and a hematoma are visible at the site of the injury.

How is a leg fracture diagnosed?

A fracture of the leg, whether of the femur, the tibia or the fibula, is diagnosed after a careful examination of the injuries caused following the shock. Likewise, if theimportance of these lesions and the degree of intensity of the pain reveal the severity of the fracture, the definitive diagnosis cannot be made without the results of a x-ray of impacted bones by fall or impact.

Treatments: How to treat a broken leg?

In the case of a simple, closed and non-displaced fracture, only one orthopedic treatment is necessary. A cast is placed to immobilize the leg and allow consolidation of the affected bones. In the case of a complex, open and/or displaced fracture, however, surgery is essential to restore bone alignment and fix the bones together using rods or plates.

What are the complications?

While complications are rather rare in the case of a simple, closed and non-displaced fracture, some complications may appear in some cases. Lesions appearing during an open fracture, for example, can lead to bacterial infection in the wound and tissues. In rare cases, some vascular damage may occur in a displaced leg fracture. Finally, compartment syndrome can occur, it is a hematoma that compresses the arteries and nerves after surgery.

How long does a broken leg last?

For a fracture of the leg, it is necessary to count at least 6 to 8 weeks of immobilization and plaster to bring about a consolidation of the bones and the healing of the fracture. This can vary depending on the type of fracture and any complications.

How is rehabilitation going?

Generally, rehabilitation of a broken leg is included between 3 to 6 months of work with a physiotherapist. A phase of 3 months until the consolidation of the affected bone, which consists in reducing the pain and preparing the body for the second phase. This is based on muscle strengthening exercises that are supposed to improve the patient’s range of joints and movements.

Can you walk after a broken leg?

It is very difficult and strongly advised against walking after a broken leg. This is why the patient learns to walk with crutches during his physiotherapy sessions.

When to walk again and resume physical activity after a broken leg?

After a broken leg, the patient can walk when his doctor allows him to. Resumption of walking usually occurs between 3 and 6 months. Finally, 6 months are necessary before considering resuming a sporting activity.

Can you drive after a tibia or fibula fracture?

It is not not allowed to drive after tibia fibula fracture. Generally speaking, the cast does not allow the patient to drive. Resuming driving is permitted between a month and a month and a half after resuming walking.

Work stoppage: how long and under what conditions?

In the event of a leg fracture, the duration of work stoppage varies according to the location of the lesion, the age of the patient and the type of employment performed. For a simple fracture, it can range from 1 week for sedentary work to 11 weeks for physical work. A double fibula tibia fracture, authorizes a stoppage of 4 weeks for sedentary work, 21 weeks for heavy physical activity. Finally, 5 to 8 months off are sometimes necessary in the case of a complex and displaced open fracture.

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