Broken Leg – Diagnosis and Treatment
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of a leg fracture typically starts with a physical examination. A doctor will look for important signs such as pain, swelling, bruising, tenderness, and any visible deformity.
They check for open wounds and test how the injured leg responds to gentle touch and movement.
Common tests used in diagnosis:
| Test Type | Purpose |
|---|---|
| X-ray | Finds fracture location, severity, and checks nearby joints |
| MRI scan | Shows soft tissue damage and stress fractures |
| CT scan | Gives detailed images for complex or hidden fractures |
| Ultrasound | Rarely used, but can help in some cases |
If the X-ray does not show a clear issue, like with some stress fractures or joint injuries, a CT or MRI scan may provide more details. These steps help confirm if the break affects the femur, tibia, fibula, patella, or ankle joint.
Treatment
Bone Realignment
A health professional typically checks the injury and stabilizes the leg as soon as possible, often using a temporary splint.
If the bone ends are out of place, the provider gently shifts them back to their correct positions in a process called reduction. This helps the leg heal straight.
Sometimes, swelling leads the provider to use a splint first, then apply a cast after the swelling goes down.
In some cases, especially with more complicated breaks or when bone pieces do not line up, surgeons perform surgery to realign the bones. Health teams also monitor open wounds or injured ligaments that could affect healing.
Keeping the Leg Still
A broken bone needs to stay still to heal. Providers use casting or a splint to keep the leg from moving. The type and size of cast or splint depend on the location and severity of the break.
For most leg injuries, patients must avoid putting weight on the leg. Crutches or a cane support mobility for several weeks.
Table: Immobilization Tools
| Tool | Use Case |
|---|---|
| Splint | Early stabilization, temporary use |
| Plaster Cast | Long-term immobilization, after swelling decreases |
| Walking Boot | Minor fractures, allows minimal movement |
| Crutches or Cane | Help with getting around, prevent weight on the leg |
Proper immobilization supports the bone as it fuses and reduces the risk of a nonunion, where the bone does not heal as it should.
Pain and Inflammation Relief
Pain often follows a fracture, but most people can manage it well. Patients can take over-the-counter medicines such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
These medicines decrease both pain and swelling. For more severe pain, a doctor may prescribe medication. Always follow the provider’s instructions to avoid side effects.
Pain relief options:
- Ibuprofen: Decreases pain and reduces inflammation.
- Acetaminophen: Eases pain, but doesn’t reduce swelling.
- Prescription Pain Relievers: Used for short periods in some cases.
Exercise and Movement Recovery
After removing a cast or splint, the leg may be stiff and muscles weaker. Physical therapy or guided rehabilitation helps restore strength, balance, and motion.
Therapists create a personalized treatment plan to fit each patient’s goals and needs. Exercises target both the injured area and the muscles that may have weakened during recovery.
Key aspects of physical therapy:
- Stretching and movement exercises
- Balance training
- Gradual weight-bearing activities
- Strengthening exercises for both the injured and uninjured areas
Recovery timeline:
Healed bones can take weeks or even months before full use returns, depending on the type of break.
Surgical Approaches and Additional Methods
Some broken bones require more advanced care. Surgeons often operate when the bone is unstable, badly displaced, or has broken into several pieces.
During surgery, doctors may use internal fixation like metal plates, rods, or screws to keep bones aligned as they heal.
In complicated injuries, they may use external fixation—a special frame holds the bone steady from the outside using pins inserted through the skin.
Common surgical options:
| Method | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Plates and Screws | Hold bone parts together internally |
| Intramedullary Rods | Support long bone fractures from within the bone |
| Pins | Attach bone parts; can be internal or external |
| External Fixators | Stabilize serious injuries or when internal fixation is not possible |
| Bone Grafting | Fill gaps if bone loss occurs |
Possible risks of surgery include infection, especially around pins used for external frames. The surgical team will discuss these options and design the treatment to fit the patient’s needs.
Note: Each treatment plan is adjusted for the type and severity of fracture, overall health, and the patient’s daily needs. Following instructions and regular check-ups help the bone heal in the best possible way.
Getting Ready for Your Visit
Steps You Can Take Beforehand
Being prepared for a visit about a broken leg helps you get the most from your time with the healthcare provider.
Bring a list of your symptoms, how the injury happened (such as during sports, a fall, or a car accident), and how much pain you feel.
Include details if you or your child have trouble moving, standing, or bearing weight on the injured leg.
Also, make a note of any previous bone issues like osteoporosis or arthritis, any recent falls, and past broken bones.
List all medicines, pain relievers, or supplements you take. This information helps the provider understand your current health and risks.
Prepare questions you want answered:
| Questions to Ask Your Provider |
|---|
| What tests do I need? |
| What treatment options are there? |
| Will surgery be needed? |
| Are there other options? |
| Will my movement or weight-bearing be limited? |
| Should a specialist like an orthopedic surgeon be involved? |
| What pain relief is recommended? |
Add any other concerns, like recovery time, effects on muscle strength, or when you can return to sports or physical therapy.
What the Healthcare Team May Ask You
The provider will usually ask for clear details about the injury. They may want to know how the injury happened (fall, accident, sports injury, or overuse), whether other injuries occurred, and if pain was severe or mild.
They will check if you could move, stand, or walk right after and if you experienced numbness or tingling.
The provider will likely ask questions about your medical history, especially for conditions that affect bone health, like osteoporosis or arthritis. For children, the provider may ask extra questions to rule out intentional harm.
The healthcare team gathers this information to diagnose and plan the next steps, which may include seeing a physical therapist or arranging follow-up care.
