leg fracture in Tunisia

What to Do for a Leg Fracture

If you think you or someone else has broken their leg, go immediately to the nearest accident and emergency department.
Avoid moving the injured leg as much as possible - keep it straight and put a cushion or clothing underneath to support it
Do not try to realign bones that are out of place
Cover any open wounds with a sterile dressing, clean cloth, or clean clothing - maintain direct pressure on the wound if it continues to bleed
If the person is pale, cold, and sweaty (in shock), lay them down and carefully rest their legs above the level of their heart to improve blood circulation.
When lifting the broken leg, make sure it is straight and supported by a cushion. Keep them warm and calm until you can get medical care.

Types of Fractures

Some broken bones are more serious than others - this depends on the location of the fracture, how the bone broke, and the damage to surrounding tissues. The most common types of fractures are:
Stress fractures: Tiny cracks in the bones caused by overuse, common in athletes
Non-displaced or hairline fracture: A fracture through the bone with little damage to surrounding tissues
Displaced fracture: The 2 parts of the broken bone have moved apart (misaligned)
Comminuted fracture: The bone has shattered (broken) into several pieces
Open or compound fracture: A complicated fracture where the bone has pierced the skin or the initial injury has exposed the broken bone

How is a Broken Leg Treated?

Immobilization First, a doctor will give you painkillers and may fit a splint to your leg to keep it in place and prevent further damage. For severe pain, you may be given pain-relieving gas through a face mask or medication through a drip in a vein. An X-ray will be performed to assess the fracture. If the broken bone is still in place, you will usually need a cast. This holds the bone in place so it can heal. If there is a lot of swelling, you may just have a splint or cast around the back half of your leg until the swelling goes down. A full cast can be fitted a few days later.
Reduction If the bones are misaligned, a doctor or surgeon may need to put them back in place. This is called reduction. Sedatives are sometimes provided before the procedure and a local or regional anesthetic is used to numb the break site. In some cases, general anesthesia is needed, meaning you will be asleep during the procedure. Once the bones are in the correct position, a cast can be applied.

Surgical Alternatives for Leg Fracture

Severe fractures are often treated with surgery to realign and repair broken bones. Surgeons can repair bones with metal wires, plates, screws, or rods. Plates, screws, and rods will usually be left in place permanently unless they become a problem, while wires will be removed 4 to 6 weeks after surgery. Sometimes an external frame (external fixator) is attached to the broken bones with metal pins to help hold them in place. This is removed once the fracture has healed. After surgery, a cast may be applied to protect the leg.

Recovery from a Broken Leg

Your doctor will give you advice on how much movement you should do for your leg and when you can put weight on it. It takes about 6 to 8 weeks for a minor fracture to heal. You will probably need to use crutches or a wheelchair during this period, until it's possible to put weight on the leg again. You will be shown how to safely use any mobility equipment provided. More severe fractures can take between 3 and 6 months to fully heal. Some may take even longer. The hospital may recommend regular physiotherapy appointments to help you maintain or regain muscle strength, movement, and flexibility. This will include specific exercises to do before and after the cast is removed. Do not try to rush your recovery by returning to your normal activities too quickly, as the broken bone may not be completely healed even when the pain is gone. Follow your doctor's advice, who will likely recommend gradually increasing your use of the leg over time. You should not drive for quite some time. Ask your doctor for advice on when to resume driving.