Medical Treatment

The type and location of a break in a leg bone will determine what treatment is needed.

• If the bones have become displaced or out of alignment, they will need to be put back into alignment. This procedure is called "reduction." In order to do this, you will be given medications for pain prior to the procedure.
  
  
• An emergency doctor will be able to treat many types of fractures with a temporary plaster splint and will instruct you to follow up with an orthopedic doctor (bone specialist). However, fractures of the thighbone or the shinbone typically will need further care by an orthopedist right away. This may mean a cast or even an operation.
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• Bones are immobilized for healing by several methods.
  
  
  • A plaster splint or cast often is used.
    
    
  • When an operation is needed, pins, screws, and metal plates or wires are often used to hold together the broken ends of a bone.
    
    
  • For fractures in the middle part of the thighbone (femur) or the shinbone (tibia), a metal rod sometimes is placed down through the center of the bone. This is done in the operating room.
  
  
• Your doctor will also provide you with medicine for the pain.