Leg Fracture: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
A leg fracture is a break in one or both of the long bones in the lower leg—the tibia (shinbone) and the fibula (the smaller bone next to it). These fractures often occur from high-impact trauma such as car accidents, sports injuries, or falls. Some fractures, like Maisonneuve fractures, involve complex injury patterns that include the ankle and require careful evaluation.
Symptoms of a leg fracture include sudden pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty bearing weight. The leg may appear deformed, shortened, or rotated. In some cases, the bone may break through the skin, which is considered an open fracture and requires immediate treatment.
Diagnosis is confirmed with a physical exam and imaging, usually X-rays or CT scans, to determine the location and type of fracture. Fractures may be classified as displaced, nondisplaced, open, or closed, and may involve the shaft of the bone or areas near the joints.
Treatment depends on the severity and alignment of the fracture. Some stable fractures can be treated with casting or bracing and restricted weight-bearing. Others may require surgery to realign and stabilize the bones using rods, plates, or screws.
Recovery times vary based on the injury and treatment method, and physical therapy is often needed to restore strength and mobility. At Slocum, our orthopedic trauma specialists provide expert care for leg fractures to support healing and return to activity.
