1. Broken Leg Basics
Your leg contains four bones, the femur, the patella, the tibia and the fibula. Each of these bones has a particular function in leg movement. The femur is the thigh bone and is the longest and strongest of all the leg bones. The patella is the knee bone. The tibia supports the body's weight and is the shin bone. The fibula is next to the tibia along the outside of the leg between the knee and the ankle bone. The bones of the leg allow movement in the joints.
2. Give Me a Break
A broken leg is truly when any one of the leg bones breaks. Breaks occur when one of the bones receives more pressure than it can stand. This is usually the result of an accident or sports injury. When a leg bone breaks it either splinters, splits or breaks. Auto accidents, falling from a high place or direct trauma to the bone all cause legs to break.
3. Break or Fracture
Doctors have several ways to categorize a broken bone. If you have a fracture, you have a broken bone, but not all fractures have the same level of severity. A complete fracture is when the bone is completely broken in two pieces. A greenstick fracture happens when the bone cracks on one side, but doesn't break all the way through. A single fracture means a bone is only broken in one place and a comminuted fracture is when a bone crushes or breaks into more than two pieces. A bowing fracture happens only in kids when a bone is severely bent but not actually broken. Finally, an open fracture is when a bone breaks and protrudes through the skin.
4. Achy, Breaky Bones
When you have a broken leg several things happen. Sudden pain, swelling and the inability to move the area are sure signs of a break. Pain that gets worse with movement or the sound of bone ends rubbing together are also signs of a fracture. If your leg is in an unusual position, you are unable to walk or you have muscle spasms even with slight movement, or have any of the other symptoms mentioned, seek medical attention immediately.
5. Casting Call
There are many new methods for treating a broken leg. Orthopedic surgeons have a variety of casting and immobilization options, and healing times vary by age and overall health. New fiberglass casting materials make casts lightweight and in some cases waterproof. Other options include plastic immobilization boots with pressurized air pillows for comfort and ease of use as well as splints. Severe breaks often require surgery, but all broken legs need time to heal through the use of crutches or a wheel chair.
