Description
The lower leg is the area of the body between the knee and the ankle. The lower leg is made up of two bones called the tibia and fibula. The tibia is a very strong bone located along the inside of the lower leg while the fibula is a much thinner bone and is on the outside. Fractures of the lower leg are the most common long bone fractures. Treatment depends on the location, severity of the injury and age of the patient. The fracture can damage adjacent nerves and blood vessels.
Symptoms
Symptoms may include pain, lower leg deformity, inability to move the leg, leg swelling, numbness, and tenderness.
Tests
Common tests used for diagnosis and treatment
Workup:
A history and physical will be performed. The diagnosis is usually confirmed with an x-ray.
Tests:
X-ray
Specialists:
Orthopedic Surgery, Pediatric Orthopedic Surgery, Orthopedic Trauma Surgery
Workup:
A history and physical will be performed. The diagnosis is usually confirmed with an x-ray.
Tests:
X-ray
Specialists:
Orthopedic Surgery, Pediatric Orthopedic Surgery, Orthopedic Trauma Surgery
Treatment
Treatment depends on the location of the injury, severity of the fracture and the age of the patient. Nonoperative care includes immobilization with splinting or casting. The patient may need a closed reduction or surgery with an open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) of the injured bones. Hardware may be applied in surgery to keep the bones aligned until the body heals the fracture.