leg fracture
Definition of leg fractures
The leg fracture occurs during a violent trauma, fall, direct shock or twisting movement. The clinical signs are significant pain, swelling and sometimes deformation. X-rays confirm the clinical diagnosis.
Orthopedic treatment of leg fractures
The indication for orthopedic treatment of leg fracture is absence of displacement and stability of the fracture. A cruropedial immobilization (from the foot to mid-thigh) is made. Support is prohibited for three months
Surgical alternatives for leg fractures
All the interventions below take place in the operating room in the orthopedic room under strictly aseptic conditions. The patient benefited from the usual skin preparation in the room before being taken to the operating room.
Osteosynthesis by intramedullary nail
It is the surgical treatment for the majority of leg fractures. The patient is installed on the operating table. After the usual skin preparation in the operating room, the sterile drapes are placed. Through several incisions (at the knee, external face of the upper end of the leg, external face of the lower end of the leg), under radioscopic control, the surgeon places the osteosynthesis material: the tibial nail descending below the fracture, the locking screw upstream of the fracture and sometimes a locking screw downstream of the fracture. Weight bearing is authorized or not postoperatively depending on the location and stability of the fracture. In the event of no support, the duration is generally one and a half months. Preventive anticoagulant treatment is instituted during this period. The osteosynthesis material will be removed 9 to 12 months after the osteosynthesis.
Screw osteosynthesis
For some long spiral fractures, surgery may be limited to screw placement. The patient is placed on the operating table. After the usual skin preparation in the operating room, the sterile drapes are placed. The incision is long enough to visualize the entire fracture. Once the reduction of the fracture has been obtained, the osteosynthesis screws are placed. A resin immobilization is then made. Support is prohibited for three months.
Plate and screw osteosynthesis
The patient is placed on the operating table. After the usual skin preparation in the operating room, the sterile drapes are placed. The incision is long enough to visualize the entire fracture. Once the reduction of the fracture has been obtained, the plate is placed and fixed with screws. A resin immobilization is then made. Support is prohibited for about three months. Preventive anticoagulant treatment is instituted during this period. The osteosynthesis material will be removed 9 to 12 months after the operation.