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Leg Injury : Fractures and ContusionsThis section will deal with injuries to the leg. The leg is defined as that portion between the knee and the ankle. The tibia is the most commonly fractured long bone in the body. The leg is comprised of two long bones know as the TIBIA and FIBULA. Isolated fractures of the fibula, excluding ankle fractures, are rare. The tibia supports 5/6th's ofthe body's weight, and is subject to injury due to its location, and relatively scant muscle coverage. Injury to the leg can be caused by a direct blow to the leg or, indirectly, by twisting or compressive forces. Evaluation will include examination of the extremity for point tenderness, swelling, deformity, or crepitation. All of these indicate the presence of a fracture. Localized pain, with the inability to bear weight on the leg, is a good indicator of fracture. Contusions usually result in swelling and pain to the injured area, lacking deformity, crepitation, or inability to bear weight. Close examination for nerve and blood vessel integrity is crucial. Pulses, sensation, and movement of all muscle groups must be tested. Leg fractures, due to their likelihood for displacement (fracture fragments are not aligned) and angulation (a "bend" to the fracture site), can result in injuries to adjacent blood vessels and nerves. Bone x-rays will reveal the fracture type and aid the physician in deciding which treatment is most appropriate. Treatment of a leg injury depends on the x-ray findings. Contusions and minor fractures may be effectively treated with ice compresses, elevation, and rest. Acetaminophen, aspirin, or an anti-inflammatory (ibuprofen) are helpful in the management of pain. Fractures that are displaced or angulated will require some form of realignment. This may be accomplished "closed" (without surgery), consisting of immediate application of a cast or splint. The alternative is "open" realignment, which necessitates an operation to fixate the fracture site, using a stabilizing device (a pin or plate). A special (and serious) type of fracture is a COMPOUND fracture. In this case, the fracture site is exposed through a skin laceration. This is a serious injury, due to the fracture site's increased likelihood for bacterial contamination. Compound fractures are almost always surgical cases requiring aggressive wound cleansing with fixation of the fracture site. These patients are often given antibiotics intravenously before and after the operation. The Orthopaedic Surgeon is the expert in the management of leg fractures. Hope this article will provide you information about leg Injury : fractures and contusions.
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