About Us | Privacy | Site Map
May 23, 2013
Font Size
A
A
A

Broken Leg (cont.)

Medical Author:
Medical Editor:

Broken Leg Symptoms

The major symptoms of a broken leg are pain, swelling, and deformity. A broken leg can be very obvious, but may require an X-ray to diagnose. Even when very obvious, an X-ray usually is required to evaluate the severity of the fracture and exact alignment of bone fragments.

Pain caused by a broken bone is typically severe. Holding the bone still will decrease pain. Movement of the broken bone will increase pain.

Swelling and bruising over the area of a break are common.

  • Deformity of the leg can occur in these forms:
    • Shortening: The broken leg appears shorter than the unaffected leg.
    • Rotation: The leg below the break is twisted.
    • Angulation: The leg bends at the break instead of at the joint.

Must Read Articles Related to Broken Leg

CT Scan (CAT Scan, Computerized Axial Tomography)
CT Scan History CT was discovered independently by a British engineer named Sir Godfrey Hounsfield and Dr. Alan Cormack. It has become a mainstay for diagnosing med...learn more >>
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a scanner that takes cross-sectional images of the body. It is used to evaluate tissues of the head, neck, chest, limbs, abd...learn more >>
Muscle Strain
Muscle Strain Muscle strain or muscle pull or even a muscle tear implies damage to a muscle or its attaching tendons. Symptoms and signs include swelling, bruising, pain, and...learn more >>

Viewer Comments & Reviews

Broken Leg - Symptoms

The eMedicineHealth physician editors ask:

What type of leg fracture did you suffer?

Women's Health

Find out what women really need.

Please acknowledge your agreement




Read What Your Physician is Reading on Medscape

Femur Injuries and Fractures »

The spectrum of femoral shaft fractures is wide and ranges from nondisplaced femoral stress fractures to fractures associated with severe comminution andsignificant soft-tissue injury.

Read More on Medscape Reference »


Medical Dictionary


Use Pill Finder Find it Now

Pill Identifier on RxList

  • quick, easy,
    pill identification

Find a Local Pharmacy

  • including 24 hour, pharmacies