A lower limb injury is one which affects the structures of the lower limbs, including the hip, thigh, knee, shin, ankle and foot. Such injuries may be traumatic, the result of single direct impact; or they may be due to repetative strain, the result of repetative movements or overuse over time. Common types of lower limb injuries include:
Soft tissue contusion: damage to the blood vessels of the lower limb, causing haematoma in the surrounding tissue.
Sprains or dislocation: sprains result from the stretching or tearing of joint ligaments and capsule. Dislocations involves a complete the displacement of joint with rupture to ligaments and joint capsule. Dislocation need an immediate intervention to reduce the joint, while sprains typically heal spontaneously.
Muscle and tendon strains and ruptures: strains result from the overstretching, or partial tearing, of muscles or tendons. Rupture, alternatively is a complete tear, and will typically require surgical intervention.
Fracture: minor fractures can often heal will heal spontaneously with minimal immobilisation, while displaced or unstable fractures normally require surgical reduction and fixation.
The symptoms of lower limb injury vary considerably depending on the character, location, and severity of the injury itself.
Typically, injuries can result in acute or dull pain, swelling, redness, bruising, tenderness, stiffness, and limited function. A snapping sensation is common in cases of tendon rupture, and patients may struggle to weightbear in the event of any type of injury.
Upper limb injuries can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
High-energy impact: including falls from height or road traffic accidents.
Sports and recreation: particularly where participating without sufficient warm-up, technique, or protective gear. Football, basketball and skiing all place significant strain on the lower limbs and predispose them to direct impact injury.
Overuse: repetitive movements over time can cause muscle strains and tendonitis.
Footwear: the use of problematic footwear over time may cause plantar fasciitis or stress fracture.
Non-surgical treatment options may include:
Rest: decreases stress, reduces pain and promotes healing.
Ice and compression: diminishes swelling and pain.
Elevation: helps with the management of swelling and improves blood circulation.
Physiotherapy: including gradual increase in range of motion exercises and stretching and strengthening aids in improving strength, flexibility, and function recovery
Medication: to help manage pain, increased muscle tension, swelling and inflammation.
Immobilisation: bracing or casting can protect the injured limb.
Surgical options for lower limb injury can include:
Fixation: A fracture may need either reduction, fixation or both. Closed reduction may be neccessary to realign the bone. In severe cases, open surgery may be neccessary to repair the bone. Rods, nails, screws and plates can be used to stabilise the broken bone during healing.
Dislocation reduction: involves returning the dislocated joint to its correct anatomical position. Further surgery may be neccessary to stabilise the joint following reduction.
Ligament repair or reconstruction: surgical repair or reconstruction of the damaged ligament to restore function.
Tendon repair or reconstruction: suturing of the torn ends of the tendon, or reattachment to the bone, occassionally requiring use of a graft to reinforce the repair.
Nerve repair: most of the complete or partial nerve injuries need microsurgical nerve repair.
Arthroscopy: a minimally-invasive technique which allows direct access to damaged joints.
Arthroplasty (joint replacement): the partial or total replacement of the damaged joint or parts thereof with prosthetic components
For further inquiries or to arrange a consultation, please contact Professor Al Muderis’ office at +61 2 88829011 or book an appointment online.
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Professor Dr Munjed Al Muderis is an orthopaedic surgeon specialising in osseointegration, hip, knee and trauma surgery. He is a clinical professor at Macquarie University and The Australian School Of Advanced Medicine, a fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons and Chairman of the Osseointegration Group.