Leg fractures are the most common orthopaedic problem presented at our clinic and usually result from a mishap with an automobile. They can be treated in a variety of ways depending on the location and type of fracture.
We can apply a cast to treat certain fractures; however, many
fractures will require surgical intervention:
• "Pinning" stabilizes the fracture by inserting a long stainless steel rod into the middle of the bone across the fractured area.
• "Plating" involves attaching a flat stainless steel plate to the bone using screws on either side of the fracture.
• "External fixation" stabilizes fractures using a series of pins on the outside of the leg that pass through the skin and into the bone on either side
of the fracture.
