Adult Skin Problems Slideshow Pictures Gallery of Skin Problems and Image Collection

Medical Author:

Samuel M Keim, MD

Coauthor:

Dominic Connolly, MD

Medical Editor:

Brian F Chinnock, MD

Medical Editor:

Francisco Talavera, PharmD, PhD

Medical Editor:

Jerry R. Balentine, DO, FACEP

Jerry R. Balentine, DO, FACEP

Dr. Balentine received his undergraduate degree from McDaniel College in Westminster, Maryland. He attended medical school at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine graduating in1983. He completed his internship at St. Joseph's Hospital in Philadelphia and his Emergency Medicine residency at Lincoln Medical and Mental Health Center in the Bronx, where he served as chief resident.

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Outlook

If treated promptly and properly, a broken leg usually will regain normal function.

• Because the major bones of the leg support our weight, at least 6-8 weeks is usually required before the bone is healed.

• The severity of the injury and your age may cause problems. For instance, an elderly person with a hip fracture may have difficulty regaining strength and mobility.

• Someone with an open fracture, where the bone sticks through the skin, may be at increased risk for infection of the bone. If infection occurs, this may delay significantly the healing process.