What are the common symptoms of a hairline fracture in the leg. How can you identify a hairline fracture. What causes hairline fractures and who is at risk. What treatment options are available for hairline fractures in legs. How long does it take for a hairline fracture to heal. When should you see a doctor for a suspected hairline fracture. What are the best ways to prevent hairline fractures.

Understanding Hairline Fractures: What Are They and How Do They Differ from Other Fractures?

Hairline fractures, also known as stress fractures, are tiny cracks in bones that develop gradually over time. Unlike large bone fractures caused by sudden trauma, hairline fractures result from repetitive stress and overuse. These fractures commonly occur in the lower legs, feet, and ankles, particularly among athletes and active individuals.

The main differences between hairline fractures and other types of fractures include:

• Cause: Hairline fractures develop slowly due to repeated stress, while other fractures often result from acute injuries.
• Severity: Hairline fractures are typically less severe and may not completely break the bone.
• Healing time: Generally, hairline fractures heal faster than more severe fractures.
• Symptoms: Pain and discomfort from hairline fractures may be less intense initially and increase gradually.

Common Symptoms of Hairline Fractures in Legs: Recognizing the Signs

Identifying a hairline fracture in the leg can be challenging, as symptoms may develop gradually. However, being aware of the following signs can help you recognize a potential hairline fracture:

• Dull, persistent pain that worsens with activity
• Localized swelling and tenderness
• Difficulty bearing weight on the affected leg
• Pain that subsides with rest but returns during physical activity
• Increased pain when pressure is applied to the injury site
• Mild bruising in some cases

Can you continue normal activities with a hairline fracture? It’s generally not recommended to continue normal activities if you suspect a hairline fracture. Continuing to stress the affected area can worsen the injury and prolong healing time. It’s crucial to rest and seek medical attention for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Causes and Risk Factors: Who Is Most Susceptible to Hairline Fractures?

Hairline fractures typically result from repetitive stress on bones over time. Several factors can increase the risk of developing these fractures:

1. High-impact sports: Activities involving running, jumping, or repetitive motions
2. Sudden increase in exercise intensity or duration
3. Poor nutrition, especially low calcium and vitamin D intake
4. Weakened bones due to conditions like osteoporosis
5. Improper footwear or training techniques
6. Previous stress fractures
7. Hormonal imbalances, particularly in female athletes

Are certain individuals more prone to hairline fractures? Yes, some groups are at higher risk of developing hairline fractures. These include:

• Athletes, especially runners, basketball players, and dancers
• Military personnel undergoing intense physical training
• Individuals with low bone density or osteoporosis
• People with flat feet or high arches
• Women with irregular menstrual cycles or low estrogen levels
• Individuals with nutritional deficiencies

Diagnosis of Hairline Fractures: The Importance of Prompt Medical Attention

Proper diagnosis of a hairline fracture is crucial for effective treatment and prevention of further complications. If you suspect a hairline fracture, it’s essential to seek medical attention promptly. The diagnostic process typically involves:

1. Physical examination: A healthcare provider will assess the affected area for tenderness, swelling, and pain response.
2. Medical history review: Your doctor will inquire about recent activities, previous injuries, and risk factors.
3. Imaging tests: X-rays may be ordered, although hairline fractures are not always visible on initial X-rays. In some cases, more advanced imaging techniques such as MRI or bone scans may be necessary for accurate diagnosis.

Why is early diagnosis important for hairline fractures? Early diagnosis allows for prompt treatment, reducing the risk of the fracture worsening or developing into a more severe injury. It also helps prevent complications such as chronic pain or improper healing.

Treatment Options for Hairline Fractures: From Conservative Approaches to Surgical Interventions

The treatment for hairline fractures in legs typically focuses on allowing the bone to heal naturally while preventing further injury. The appropriate treatment plan depends on the severity and location of the fracture. Common treatment options include:

• Rest and activity modification: Avoiding weight-bearing activities and using crutches or a walking boot
• Ice therapy: Applying ice to reduce swelling and pain
• Pain management: Over-the-counter pain relievers or prescribed medications
• Protective footwear: Wearing supportive shoes or orthotic devices
• Physical therapy: Exercises to improve strength and flexibility once healing begins
• Nutritional support: Ensuring adequate calcium and vitamin D intake

In rare cases, surgical intervention may be necessary for hairline fractures that fail to heal with conservative treatment or for high-risk fractures in certain locations.

How long does it take for a hairline fracture to heal? The healing time for a hairline fracture typically ranges from 6 to 8 weeks. However, this can vary depending on the location of the fracture, the individual’s overall health, and adherence to the treatment plan.

Preventing Hairline Fractures: Strategies for Reducing Risk

While not all hairline fractures can be prevented, there are several strategies to reduce the risk of developing these injuries:

1. Gradual increase in activity intensity: Avoid sudden increases in exercise duration or intensity
2. Proper nutrition: Ensure adequate calcium and vitamin D intake for strong bones
3. Cross-training: Incorporate low-impact activities to reduce repetitive stress
4. Appropriate footwear: Wear shoes that provide proper support and cushioning
5. Rest and recovery: Allow sufficient time between intense workouts
6. Proper technique: Learn and maintain correct form during physical activities
7. Address underlying conditions: Manage conditions that may weaken bones, such as osteoporosis

What role does proper nutrition play in preventing hairline fractures? Adequate nutrition, particularly calcium and vitamin D intake, is crucial for maintaining strong bones and reducing the risk of hairline fractures. A balanced diet rich in these nutrients helps support bone health and resilience to stress.

Long-Term Outlook and Potential Complications of Hairline Fractures

With proper treatment and care, most hairline fractures heal completely without long-term complications. However, it’s important to be aware of potential issues that may arise:

• Chronic pain: In some cases, individuals may experience persistent pain even after the fracture has healed
• Recurrent fractures: Having a history of hairline fractures increases the risk of future injuries
• Delayed healing: Failing to follow treatment guidelines can prolong the healing process
• Non-union: In rare cases, the fracture may not heal properly, requiring additional intervention
• Impact on athletic performance: Some individuals may need to modify their training or technique to prevent future injuries

Can hairline fractures lead to more serious injuries if left untreated? Yes, untreated hairline fractures can potentially worsen over time, leading to more severe fractures or chronic pain. Prompt diagnosis and appropriate treatment are essential for preventing complications and ensuring proper healing.

When to Seek Medical Attention for Suspected Hairline Fractures

It’s crucial to know when to consult a healthcare professional if you suspect a hairline fracture. Seek medical attention if you experience:

• Persistent pain that doesn’t improve with rest
• Swelling or bruising that worsens over time
• Inability to bear weight on the affected leg
• Pain that interferes with daily activities or sleep
• Any symptoms following a traumatic injury or fall

Early intervention can prevent the fracture from worsening and ensure proper healing. Remember, it’s always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to potential bone injuries.

The Role of Rehabilitation in Recovery from Hairline Fractures

Rehabilitation plays a crucial role in the recovery process for hairline fractures. Once the initial healing period is complete, a structured rehabilitation program can help:

1. Restore strength and flexibility to the affected area
2. Improve balance and coordination
3. Gradually reintroduce weight-bearing activities
4. Prevent muscle atrophy and joint stiffness
5. Reduce the risk of re-injury

A physical therapist can design a tailored program that addresses your specific needs and helps you safely return to your normal activities or sports.

Advancements in Treating and Diagnosing Hairline Fractures

Medical science continues to advance in the diagnosis and treatment of hairline fractures. Some recent developments include:

• High-resolution imaging techniques for earlier and more accurate diagnosis
• Bone stimulation devices to promote faster healing
• Advanced materials for more comfortable and effective protective gear
• Personalized treatment plans based on individual risk factors and lifestyle
• Improved understanding of bone metabolism and its role in fracture healing

These advancements contribute to more effective management of hairline fractures and improved outcomes for patients.

The Psychological Impact of Hairline Fractures on Athletes

For athletes, dealing with a hairline fracture can have significant psychological effects. The injury may lead to:

• Frustration and disappointment due to forced time away from training or competition
• Anxiety about potential long-term effects on performance
• Fear of re-injury upon returning to sports
• Stress related to rehabilitation and recovery process
• Potential loss of team position or competitive edge

Addressing these psychological aspects is an important part of the overall recovery process. Mental health support and proper guidance can help athletes navigate the challenges associated with injury and recovery.

The Economic Impact of Hairline Fractures

Hairline fractures can have significant economic implications, both for individuals and society as a whole. These impacts may include:

1. Medical costs associated with diagnosis and treatment
2. Lost wages due to time off work or reduced productivity
3. Expenses related to rehabilitation and assistive devices
4. Potential long-term costs if complications arise
5. Economic burden on healthcare systems, particularly in sports-related injuries

Understanding these economic factors underscores the importance of prevention and early intervention in managing hairline fractures.

The Role of Genetics in Hairline Fracture Risk

Emerging research suggests that genetic factors may play a role in an individual’s susceptibility to hairline fractures. Some areas of interest include:

• Genes associated with bone density and strength
• Genetic variations affecting bone metabolism and healing
• Hereditary conditions that may increase fracture risk
• Potential genetic markers for identifying high-risk individuals

While genetic predisposition doesn’t guarantee the occurrence of hairline fractures, understanding these factors can help in developing more targeted prevention and treatment strategies.

Hairline Fractures in Children: Special Considerations

Hairline fractures in children require special attention due to their growing bones. Key considerations include:

1. Different diagnostic approaches, as children’s bones may not show fractures on X-rays as clearly
2. Potential impact on growth plates and future bone development
3. Balancing the need for immobilization with the importance of maintaining mobility
4. Age-appropriate rehabilitation techniques
5. Education for parents and caregivers on prevention and management

Pediatric specialists play a crucial role in managing hairline fractures in children to ensure proper healing and prevent long-term complications.

The Future of Hairline Fracture Treatment

Looking ahead, several promising developments may shape the future of hairline fracture treatment:

• Personalized medicine approaches based on genetic and lifestyle factors
• Advanced biomaterials for more effective and comfortable protective devices
• Novel drug therapies to accelerate bone healing
• Improved wearable technology for monitoring and preventing stress injuries
• Integration of virtual reality in rehabilitation programs

These innovations hold the potential to improve diagnosis, treatment, and recovery outcomes for individuals with hairline fractures.

In conclusion, understanding hairline fractures in legs is crucial for prompt diagnosis, effective treatment, and prevention of future injuries. By recognizing the symptoms, understanding the causes, and following proper treatment protocols, individuals can minimize the impact of these injuries on their daily lives and athletic pursuits. As research continues to advance our understanding of hairline fractures, we can look forward to even more effective strategies for managing and preventing these common yet potentially debilitating injuries.

Identifying and Treating Hairline Fractures

We commonly use the term “hairline fracture” to refer to a specific type of fracture that typically occurs in the foot or lower leg. But, what is a hairline fracture and what is the difference between this and an ordinary fracture?

Causes

Large bone fractures or breaks are generally the result of some kind of trauma, such as an accident or fall. By contrast, hairline fractures develop gradually as a result of overuse. As such, hairline fractures are extremely common in sports that involve repetitive running or jumping. 

Bones have a certain degree of flexibility, which allows them to absorb some of the impact of activities like running, jumping or walking. However, repeating these activities over time places a strain on the bones, causing microscopic cracks, or stress fractures, to develop. Eventually, this stress can cause a hairline fracture to occur.

Long distance runners, for example, are particularly prone to hairline fractures of the foot, ankle and lower leg.

Symptoms

People don’t always realise at first that they have a hairline fracture. Over time, however, they may start to experience a dull pain. Pain levels can very from light to moderate and can be relieved by taking painkillers. 

Symptoms to look out for that may indicate a hairline fracture include:

• pain that worsens when you engage in physical activity
• being unable to put too much weight on the injured area without pain
• swelling, bruising and tenderness

Diagnosis

If you suspect you may have a hairline fracture, visit your GP. Ignoring a hairline fracture may result in a more serious fracture or break, which will be harder to treat. Some hairline fractures that are not treated become non-union fractures which will not heal.

Your doctor will examine the injury site and test your reaction to pressure. You may be sent for an MRI, x-ray or nuclear bone scan to confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment

If you are diagnosed with a hairline fracture, it is important to rest the injured area to give the fracture a chance to heal.

For the first 24 to 48 hours, keep the area elevated and apply ice to reduce the swelling. After around two weeks you can begin gradually introducing weight-bearing activities again. Your doctor may suggest using a splint or crutches to minimise strain on the injured area. Non-weight bearing activities such as swimming or cycling can be particularly helpful, stimulating recovery without worsening the injury. 

Hairline fractures normally heal fully within six to eight weeks. In rare cases, you may need surgery if it does not heal on its own.

High risk groups

Certain sportspeople are at particularly high risk of developing hairline fractures, including:

• basketball players
• hockey players
• tennis players
• ballerinas
• footballers or rugby players
• participants in track and field sports.

Other groups of people are also at high risk, including:

• women, particularly those with irregular menstrual cycles
• people with flat feet or high arches
• people with conditions that weaken bones, such as osteoporosis
• people who’ve previously had a hairline fracture
• people with dietary deficiencies

The advice is always that it is better to be safe than sorry. If you suspect a hairline fracture, always get it checked out by a specialist doctor to avoid the possibility of more serious problems in the future.

Types, Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

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A hairline fracture typically results from injury and can cause swelling and tenderness. Treatment may involve applying ice to the affected area.

A hairline fracture, also known as a stress fracture, is a small crack or severe bruise within a bone. This injury is most common in athletes, especially athletes of sports that involve running and jumping. People with osteoporosis can also develop hairline fractures.

Hairline fractures are often caused by overuse or repetitive actions when microscopic damage is done to the bone over time. Not allowing yourself enough time to heal between activities is often a factor in the probability of getting this injury.

The bones of the foot and leg are especially prone to hairline fractures. These bones absorb a lot of stress during running and jumping. Within the foot, the second and third metatarsals are most commonly affected. This is because they’re thin bones and the point of impact when pushing off on your foot in order to run or jump. It’s also common to experience a hairline fracture in your:

• heel
• ankle bones
• navicular, a bone on the top of the midfoot

The most common symptom of a hairline fracture is pain. This pain can gradually get worse over time, especially if you don’t stop weight-bearing activity. Pain is usually worse during activity and lessens during rest. Other symptoms include:

• swelling
• tenderness
• bruising

Most hairline fractures are caused from either overuse or repetitive activity. An increase in either the duration or frequency of activity can result in a hairline fracture. This means that even if you are used to running, suddenly increasing either your distance or the number of times per week you run can cause this injury.

Another similar cause of a hairline fracture is changing the type of exercise you do. For example, if you’re an excellent swimmer, it’s still possible to sustain an injury from suddenly engaging in another intense activity like running, no matter how good of shape you may be in.

Bones adapt to increased forces put on them through various activities, where new bones form to replace old bone. This process is called remodeling. When the breakdown happens more rapidly than new bone can form, you increase your likelihood of a hairline fracture.

There are also a number of risk factors that increase your chances of getting a hairline fracture:

• Certain sports: Participants in high-impact sports, such as track and field, basketball, tennis, dance, ballet, long-distance runners, and gymnastics, increase their chances of getting a hairline fracture.
• Sex: Women, especially women with absent menstrual periods, are at increased risk of hairline fractures. In fact, female athletes may be at a greater risk because of a condition called the “female athlete triad.” This is where extreme dieting and exercise may result in eating disorders, menstrual dysfunction, and premature osteoporosis. As this develops, so does a female athlete’s chance of injury.
• Foot problems: Problematic footwear can cause injuries. So can high arches, rigid arches, or flat feet.
• Weakened bones: Conditions such as osteoporosis, or medications that affect bone density and strength, can cause hairline fractures even when performing normal, daily activities.
• Previous hairline fractures: Having one hairline fracture increases your chances of having another.
• Lack of nutrients: Lack of vitamin D or calcium can make your bones more susceptible to fracture. People with eating disorders are also at risk for this reason. Additionally, there can be a greater risk of this injury in the winter months when you may not be getting enough vitamin D.
• Improper technique: Blisters, bunions, and tendonitis can affect how you run, altering which bones are impacted by certain activities.
• Change in surface: Changes in playing surfaces can cause undue stress to the bones of the feet and legs. For example, a tennis player moving from a grass court to a hard court may develop injuries.
• Improper equipment: Poor running shoes can contribute to your likelihood of getting a hairline fracture.

If you believe you have a hairline fracture, it’s important to seek treatment from your doctor as soon as possible.

Your doctor will ask about your medical history and general health. They’ll also ask questions about your diet, medications, and other risk factors. Then, they may perform several exams, including:

• Physical examination: Your doctor will inspect the painful area. They’ll probably apply gentle pressure to see if it causes pain. Pain in response to pressure is often the key for your doctor to diagnose a hairline fracture.
• MRI: The best imaging test for determining hairline fractures is an MRI. This test uses magnets and radio waves to provide images of your bones. An MRI will determine a fracture before an X-ray can. It’ll do a better job of determining the type of fracture as well.
• X-ray: Hairline fractures often aren’t visible on X-rays immediately after the injury. The fracture may become visible a few weeks after the injury takes place, when a callus has formed around the healing area.
• Bone scan: A bone scan involves receiving a small dose of radioactive material through a vein. This substance accumulates in areas where bones are repairing. But because this test will indicate an increased blood supply to a particular area, it won’t specifically prove there’s a hairline fracture. It’s suggestive but not diagnostic of a hairline fracture, as other conditions can cause an abnormal bone scan.

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Ignoring the pain caused by a hairline fracture can actually result in the bone breaking completely. Complete breaks will take longer to heal and involve more complicated treatments. It’s important to seek out help from your doctor and treat a hairline fracture as soon as possible.

If you suspect you have a hairline fracture, there are a number of first aid treatments you can perform before you go to the doctor.

Home treatments

Follow the RICE method:

• rest
• ice
• compression
• elevation

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and aspirin (Bayer) can help with pain and swelling.

It’s important to seek further treatment from your doctor if the pain becomes severe or doesn’t get better with rest. How your doctor chooses to treat you will depend on both the severity and location of your injury.

Purchase NSAIDs here.

Medical treatments

Your doctor may recommend that you use crutches to keep weight off an injured foot or leg. You can also wear protective footwear or a cast.

Because it usually takes up to six to eight weeks to completely heal from a hairline fracture, it’s important to modify your activities during that time. Cycling and swimming are great alternatives to more high-impact exercises.

Some hairline fractures will require surgery, where bones are supported by the addition of a type of fastener using pins or screws to hold bones together during the healing process.

It’s important to avoid high-impact activities during the healing process. Returning to high-impact activities — especially the one that caused the injury in the first place — won’t only delay healing but increase the risk of a complete fracture in the bone.

Your doctor may advise taking another X-ray to ensure healing before allowing you to return to your previous activities. Even after the hairline fracture is healed, it’s important to gradually return to exercise.

In rare instances, hairline fractures won’t heal properly. This results in chronic, long-term pain. It’s important to talk to your doctor to prevent pain and worsening injuries.

Fracture of the fibula – signs, symptoms, who treats, who treats

The fibula provides support for the leg and ankle muscles. It runs parallel to the tibia, which also supports the lower leg, anchoring the ankle and knee joint. The fibula carries only 17% of the body weight. Fracture of the fibula occurs in the process of strong mechanical impact exceeding the tensile strength of the bone. If you suspect a fracture, especially with a break in the skin, you should immediately seek medical help from a traumatologist.

Types of fibula fractures

Fractures of the fibula can occur at the ankle, knee, and mid-calf. There are different types of fractures that can also affect treatment and recovery. Main types:

• Lateral fibula fracture – ankle injury
• Fracture of the head of the fibula, tear near the knee
• Avulsion fracture of the fibula, a fracture in which a small part of the bone is torn off
• Stress fracture of fibula, hair fracture due to repetitive trauma
• Shaft fracture, a fracture that often affects the middle of the leg due to a direct blow.

With the exception of stress fractures, the types listed often occur due to traumatic injury or greater pressure on the bone.

Symptoms of a fibula fracture

In addition to pain and swelling, other signs of a fibula fracture also develop:

• Lower leg deformity
• Hypersensitivity and bruising
• Pain that is aggravated by pressure on the leg
• Tingling or numbness usually associated with damage to neurovascular tissues.

What increases the risk of fibula fracture

The biggest risk factor for fibula fracture is reduced bone density.

Factors that reduce bone density:

• Smoking
• Gender, females have weaker bones
• Aging
• Contact sports.

How is a fibula fracture diagnosed? For fractures that require more accurate imaging, your doctor may order a CT scan of the bone.

How a doctor treats a fibula fracture

Treatment depends on the severity of the fracture, its type and location. Fractures are often classified as:

• Closed (skin intact)
• Open (skin damaged).

Regardless of the type of fracture, the traumatologist performs a bone reduction procedure, after which a cast or splint is applied to the leg. This prevents movement so that the fracture can heal.

• Treatment of closed fractures of the fibula

Closed fibula fractures may or may not require surgery. A splint or cast to prevent movement is usually sufficient, unless other parts of the leg are damaged. If the patient requires additional treatment to align the bones, then the traumatologist may prescribe:

• Closed reduction: the doctor straightens the ends of the broken bone without cutting the skin
• Open reduction: doctor performs invasive surgery on bones that may be broken in more than two places
• Bone grafting. If the bones do not fuse on their own, then various procedures and operations are used, including the installation of special supporting pins.

Treatment of open fractures of the fibula

The patient is advised to rest, ice pack and leg elevation until medical attention is received. Open fractures require surgery, as there may be associated injuries such as damage to the arteries.

Treatment process:

• Cleaning the wound to avoid contamination and infection
• Wound stabilization to keep bones in place before surgery
• Imaging studies, the results of which allow you to choose a specific type of operation
• Antibiotics to prevent infection.

During the operation, the surgeon may use internal or external methods of fibula fracture fixation. For internal fixation, the doctor will place metal pins inside the broken bone to hold the fracture together while it heals. Severe open fractures require external fixation, where metal screws or pins protrude beyond the skin to hold the bones in place.

After the operation, a plaster is applied to the affected area.

Recovery, rehabilitation and prospects

The general healing process for a fibula fracture is immobilization with a splint or cast for several weeks. Recovery time depends on factors such as:

• The severity of the condition and the presence of any other associated injury
• Age
• Necessity of operation
• Any underlying conditions that may affect healing.

During your recovery, your doctor will order additional x-rays to make sure your bones are healing properly.

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Scientific sources:

1. Watson-Jones R. Fractures of bones and joint damage / Per. from English. // M.: Medicine. – 1972. – S. 495-7.
2. Evseev V.I. Biomechanics of stable compression osteosynthesis of the fibula in syndesmosis injuries // Theoretical and practical aspects of transosseous compression and distraction osteosynthesis. Mound. – 1996. – S. 48-50.
3. Olenin VV, Olenin OV, Khoroshkov SN Method of bypass repair of distal tibiofibular syndesmosis in suprasyndesmotic fractures of the fibula // Byul. “Inventions. Utility Models.- 2003.- No. 6. Application No. 2001108399/14.
4. Evseev VI Mathematical substantiation of the mechanism of fractures of the fibula and injuries of the tibiofibular syndesmosis // Clinical and treatment of ankle joint injuries. Kazan, 1975. – S. 32-42.
5. Zolotov A.S., Dubovy S.A., Kudran S.P. Features of the surgical anatomy of the superficial peroneal nerve in the context of the treatment of ankle fractures // Bulletin of Traumatology and Orthopedics. H.H. Priorov. -2011.-No. 4.- S. 64-67.

Useful information

Knee joint injuries

What should be done to diagnose and treat a knee injury? To solve this problem, the first step for the patient is to make an appointment with an orthopedist. After the initial examination, the doctor may prescribe additional studies:

MRI of the knee
CT scan of the knee
Ultrasound of soft tissues.

read more +

knee fracture

What should be done to diagnose and treat a knee fracture? To solve this problem, the first step for the patient is to make an appointment with a traumatologist. After the initial examination, the doctor may prescribe additional studies:

Consultation with a surgeon
CT scan of the knee
MRI of the knee

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MRI of the ankle joint

Magnetic resonance imaging of the ankle is a high-precision study using a special device that works on the principle of nuclear resonance of magnetic waves. During scanning, the tomographic unit produces a high-quality three-dimensional layered image of the examined body area. With the help of MRI images, an orthopedic traumatologist can thoroughly examine the structure and condition of tendons, cartilage,

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signs, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment in Moscow at the Center for Surgery “SM-Clinic”

General information

Kinds

Symptoms

Diagnostics

Operations

Expert opinion of a doctor

Rehabilitation

Question answer

General

One of the most common injuries from falls, bumps, various accidents and excessive physical exertion is a broken leg.

The condition is characterized by a violation of the integrity of one or more bones and damage to neighboring structures: joints, muscles, tendons, soft tissues.

Species

Symptoms

Diagnostics

In most cases, a visual examination is sufficient to determine a leg fracture, during which the doctor examines the symptoms and finds out under what circumstances the injury occurred. To establish in detail the exact localization and nature of the damage help:

• radiography;
• CT;
• ultrasound;
• MRI.

Additionally, a standard set of laboratory tests is performed, which are necessary to determine the general condition of the patient and identify hidden pathologies.

Operations for leg fractures

Conservative tactics are possible only in case of closed simple injuries without displacement, uncomplicated by the risk of displacement of bone fragments or possible blood loss. In this case, a complete immobilization of the limb is performed with the imposition of a plaster cast.

In all other cases, surgical treatment is indicated. Depending on the type of leg fracture and the likely negative consequences for general health, several types of surgical interventions are used in traumatology.

Osteosynthesis

The technique is aimed at restoring the integrity of bone structures by connecting the fragments with the help of special fixators – plates, knitting needles, pins.

More

Bone grafting

A method of surgical treatment based on the replacement of damaged areas with other materials: the bone of the patient or a donor, biosynthetic analogues.

Reposition

An operation during which the anatomically correct position of bone structures is restored, using an open or closed method, followed by external fixation with a plaster or splint.

More

In complex cases associated with multiple injuries, especially in elderly patients, endoprosthesis is used.

Doctor’s expert opinion

Rehabilitation

Q&A

The first step is to call an ambulance: only a qualified doctor can determine by characteristic signs what kind of leg injury the patient has received and how serious the fracture is. You can’t move, turn the victim over on your own, give him personal medicines, try to connect the edges of the wound with an open fracture. The only thing to do is to keep the limb immobile and cover the wound with a clean cloth so that dirt does not get inside.

No. There are cases when, after falls, bruises and traffic accidents, the patient had no swelling and pain syndrome, but a real fracture was diagnosed. Sometimes in such cases, the symptoms do not develop immediately, but after 1-2 days after the injury.