The leg comprises four key bones, the femur, tibia, fibula and patella. Like other parts of the body, these structures are supported by nerves, tendons, ligaments and other soft tissue.
Injuries to the leg can range from minor to severe, with fractures being among the most serious types of injuries. Outlined below are some of the more common types of leg fractures and their causes:
Broken hip
A broken hip nearly always requires hospitalization and surgery. For younger individuals, the risk of this injury is smaller, although still possible in a major accident. For elderly individuals, a broken hip presents a much more serious risk. Over 300,000 people suffer fractured hips each year in the US, with many of them occurring due to elderly falls.
Fractured tibia/fibula
The tibia is commonly referred to as the shin bone and the fibula is the bone on the outside of the ankle. Fractures to either of these areas can be extremely painful, and they often occur in road traffic collisions. Recovery is likely to take several months, during which the injured party won’t be able to place weight on the leg.
Broken femur
The femur is the largest and strongest bone in the leg which sits in the thigh area. It generally requires a tremendous amount of force, but it is possible to fracture the femur during a road traffic collision or fall. Recovery typically involves surgery as well as an extended period of rehabilitative therapy.
If you have injured your leg due to the negligence of someone else, then you may be entitled to compensation. Seek some legal guidance to better understand what options are available.
