How to Treat a Leg Fracture
Whether you have just sprained your ankle or fractured your shinbone, you will need to take precautions to ensure your recovery. These steps include pain relievers, anti-inflammatory medications, and a CT scan or MRI.
X-rays
X-rays for leg fractures are a diagnostic procedure for identifying fractured bone in the lower extremities. The x-rays are done with the patient lying down on a table. The x-rays are taken from different angles and positions.
The x-rays are often done in doctors’ offices, but they are also done at imaging centers. They are a safe and quick way to diagnose a fractured bone, which helps ensure proper healing. The x-rays can show the bones are broken and also show any swelling that may be present.
The x-rays are also used to diagnose bone cancer and infection in the soft tissue. They are often used to guide orthopedic surgery and help determine the best way to treat the fracture. Aside from the diagnosis, X-rays can also show if a person is at risk for developing osteoporosis or arthritis.
The x-rays for leg fractures are interpreted by a radiologist. The doctor will explain the x-rays to the patient and let them know what they mean. They will also give them antibiotics to prevent infection.
There are many different types of x-rays for leg fractures. Among the most common types are those that identify fractures that may not be apparent. These fractures are categorized according to their classification.
CT scan
Having a CT scan of the leg is an important step in the diagnosis of a leg fracture. These scans produce detailed cross-sectional images of the bones and are also useful in evaluating the healing process. These scans are also useful for detecting a bridging callus.
A bridging callus is a structure that is formed between adjacent cortical surfaces. It usually doesn’t form until three months after the fracture. However, a bridging callus is often visible on a radiograph. The presence of a callus has been shown to predict union at six months. This bridging callus is a common sign of a long bone shaft fracture.
While a CT scan of the leg has been found to improve the accuracy of fracture union, it may also overdiagnose nonunion. Nonunions are most common from fractures of the tibia and humerus. In these cases, it isn’t clear whether a CT scan is more useful than another imaging modality, such as ultrasonography.
A CT scan of the leg can also be useful in detecting a bridging callus. This callus is usually found between the cortical surfaces of the bone. However, it can also be found prior to radiographs. The presence of a callus can also help determine the severity of a break.
MRI
MRI of the leg is a medical test that creates detailed pictures of the knee and ankle. It is used to detect the cause of pain and to determine the cause of any abnormalities in the body. It can also be helpful in diagnosing soft tissue injuries.
An MRI of the leg will show detailed pictures of the muscles, ligaments, tendons, and blood vessels. It will also provide pictures of the bones. In addition, it can identify abnormal joints and the cause of decreased motion in the leg.
A typical musculoskeletal imaging protocol includes axial and coronal T1-weighted images. These images will show a hypointense fracture line and hyperintense periosteal edema. This can help determine the mechanism of the injury, rule out osteomyelitis or malignancy, and distinguish between stress fractures and acute fractures.
Bone marrow enhancement is another useful sign. It is a change in the signal intensity of the bone marrow and can be used to diagnose impingement, bone marrow edema, or tendinopathy. It is often a serpentine line or a line of serrations, which may indicate a fracture. These alterations may also indicate an inflammatory process.
The diagnosis of a leg fracture is important to the patient’s recovery. If the fracture is not healing, it is not strong enough to bear weight.
Traction
Using traction after a leg fracture is an effective method to reduce pain and prevent complications. It can also help keep the broken leg in place until it is time for surgery.
The main purpose of traction is to keep the leg in place while it heals. However, this technique can be challenging. Several problems can arise with traction, including joint contractures and nerve damage.
The most common type of traction is skeletal traction. This involves using metal pins to apply a pulling force to the bone. The pin is placed in the distal bone area. This forces the bones to return to their proper position.
Other traction techniques include skin traction and Russell traction. Skin traction involves applying force to the skin and using bandages. Skin traction is usually performed while the patient is in bed. It may be used for several weeks.
Skeletal traction is more intense than skin traction. This procedure involves using a pulley system and metal pins to apply a pulling force.
It may be performed on a child with a femoral fracture. It is performed under general anesthesia. After placing the pin, the patient is placed in a splint. A traction weight bag of up to fifteen pounds can be attached to the pulley system.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines
NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines) are frequently prescribed to treat pain from strains and stress fractures. They are also used to treat chronic soft tissue injuries, such as tendinitis. They can help to reduce inflammation and swelling and decrease fever. However, they also carry significant adverse effects on the cardiovascular and renal systems.
Studies have shown that NSAIDs can inhibit bone healing. This results in delayed healing of broken bones. These drugs also interfere with the synthesis of prostaglandins, which are essential for bone turnover. They can also slow the healing of damaged ligaments. NSAIDs should not be administered for longer than one week after a fracture.
NSAIDs slow bone healing by inhibiting the maturation of callus. This occurs because they inhibit the activity of the cyclooxygenase enzyme. They also influence angiogenesis, a process by which new blood vessels form at the injury site. In addition, they increase nonunion rates.
NSAIDs may also cause serious adverse effects on the cardiovascular system and renal systems. Some NSAIDs can also reduce muscle size and strength. This may be a concern for patients who cannot take other types of analgesics.
Studies in rats have shown that NSAIDs delay fracture healing. In one study, rats were given 30 mg/kg of ibuprofen daily for 21 days. However, this study did not take into account pre-existing bone density, exercise level, or other factors that may affect fracture healing.
Pain relievers
Choosing the right pain reliever for a leg fracture is an important part of treating the injury. A broken bone can cause pain, infection, and even damage to nearby blood vessels. Treatment can include immobilizing the limb with a splint, reducing swelling, and giving pain medicine.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen, are commonly used to reduce pain. However, they also may slow the healing process of the broken bone. If you are experiencing leg pain, seek medical attention immediately.
A nerve block, which is thought to have a rapid onset of action, is another modality that can provide pain relief. It is considered to be less risky for minor fractures.
Non-opioid oral medications may also be considered for less severe injuries. Patients should discuss with their providers the possible risks and benefits of using anti-inflammatory medicines. They should also be aware of any medical conditions they may have that might make these medicines unsafe for them.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are considered to have a narcotic effect and may be addictive. They are also prone to peptic ulceration.
The Joint Commission has adopted a national standard for pain relief in pediatric patients. Pain management is important for children with broken bones because they are often unresponsive to initial treatment.
Recovery from a shinbone fracture
Depending on the severity of your fracture, you may have to wait a few weeks or months before you can resume normal activity. However, you can speed up the healing process with early rehabilitation and a few at-home exercises. The goal is to restore muscle strength and flexibility, as well as normal joint motion.
During the initial weeks following a fracture, it may be uncomfortable to put any weight on the leg. In some cases, a wheelchair or crutches may be necessary. This can help control swelling and minimize pain.
For some patients, surgery is required to fix the broken bone. A surgical procedure can involve fixing the bone with screws or wires. These plates and screws are usually left in place when the fracture is healed.
During the recovery process, you may have to take certain medications to control pain and swelling. After the pain subsides, you can stop taking the medication. However, you may need to see the doctor regularly for checkups. X-rays may be taken to ensure that the leg is healing properly.
You should also be advised to avoid activities that may increase pressure on the broken bone. A physical therapist may teach you how to use crutches and a walker to help you walk. You should also start using a brace to protect your leg.
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Health A-Z. (2022, April 26). Verywell Health. https://www.verywellhealth.com/health-a-z-4014770
Harvard Health. (2015, November 17). Health A to Z. https://www.health.harvard.edu/health-a-to-z
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