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Patients’ mobility depends principally on the integrity and function of their lower limbs. Lower limbs are particularly prone to injuries due to daily life activities, sports, leisure and job demands. Generally, there are two types of injuries, acute injury which occurs as a consequence of a more rapid or high energy single impact and an overuse injury which results from low energy but high frequency insult. Understanding the mechanism of these injuries is essential for both prevention and their management.
The spectrum of probable lower limb injuries is extensive and therefore medical consultation is necessary in individual circumstances. Prompt medical attention and treatment plan adherence are critical for recovery and full restoration of function after a traumatic event.
Common Types of Lower Limb Injuries:
Soft Tissues Contusion
When the soft tissues are subjected to a blunt impact, the underlying blood vessels within the muscles or skin and underlying tissues are injured, resulting in a haematoma (blood leak) into the surrounding tissues. Swelling, blood collection, bruising, pain, sensitivity and function loss may occur temporarily. Rarely would there be a need of any serious intervention, as simple contusions usually heal spontaneously.
Joint Sprains or Joint dislocation
Sprains occur after an injury that causes stretching or tearing of ligaments and joint capsule and are due to sudden and/or extensive movement in the joint. Swelling, blood collection, bruising, pain, sensitivity and function loss may occur temporarily. Most of the sprains heal spontaneously. Dislocation is a consequence of higher energy trauma with full rupture of ligaments, and displacement of joint components. It is a medical emergency and needs immediate joint reduction.
Muscle and Tendon Strains and Ruptures
Involve the stretching or tearing of muscles or tendons. These injuries often occur due to sudden movements, overexertion, or direct trauma to the muscle or tendon. Severe pain and bruising with loss of function is often associated with strain. An incomplete tendon or muscle tear can heal spontaneously. A more severe injury can lead to complete muscle or tendon rupture, they often need surgical repair.
Bone Fractures
Lower limb fractures can involve the bones of the thigh, shin, or foot. Fractures can result from accidents, falls, or sports-related impacts. Minor fractures will heal spontaneously with minimal immobilization. Displaced or unstable fractures will need surgical reduction and fixation.
Achilles Tendon Injuries
Overuse can cause Achilles tendonitis (inflammation) over a period of time, usually necessitating a period of conservative treatment and rarely leading to surgical intervention. On the other hand, a sudden stretch to the Achilles tendon or a blunt injury to the posterior ankle can cause a complete rupture of the Achilles tendon – that, most often, will necessitate a surgical repair.
Overuse
A submaximal force on a bone or tendon will not cause a fracture or rupture immediately, however, after numerous repetitions it can lead to an overuse fracture or overuse tendon inflammation and/or rupture.
Examples:
Causes of Lower Limb Injuries include:
Depending on the injury’s severity, non-surgical treatments include:
When conservative treatment is insufficient, surgical intervention might be recommended:
Fracture Fixation
A fracture may need either reduction or fixation or both. A closed reduction of a fracture may be necessary to realign bone fragments, further, the limb will be immobilised with a cast. Occasionally, the fracture site needs open surgery to realign the broken bone. Further, metal rods, nails, screws and plates or external fixators can be used to stabilise the broken bone, until the fragments heal together. The bone heals on average between 6 weeks to 6 months.
Dislocation Reduction
Either sedation or formal surgery may be needed to put the dislocated joint back in its proper position. After a successful reduction, there might still be a need for further surgical joint stabilisation.
Ligament or Tendon Repair
Surgical repair or reconstruction is often required for complete ruptures of ligaments or tendons. Achilles tendon tears, for example, may need only suturing of the tendon. Tears of the cruciate ligaments of the knee, on the other hand, may need formal ligament reconstruction.
Arthroscopy
This minimally invasive technique aids in diagnosing and treating injuries and pathologies inside joints. It allows inspection of the joint and necessary reconstructions being performed through minimal incisions.
Joint Replacement
Severe joint damage as a consequence of acute trauma, old injury or chronic overuse might necessitate joint replacement with an artificial joint surface (such as total hip, total knee or total ankle replacement, for example).
Understanding the common types, causes, and treatment options is crucial for both prevention and effective management of lower limbs injuries. It’s recommended to consult an orthopaedic surgeon and his team for professional and accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plans tailored to the specific injury and individual needs of a patient.
For further inquiries or to arrange a consultation, please contact Professor Al Muderis’ office at +61 2 88829011 or book an appointment online.
X-ray facilities at all locations | Urgent appointments available if necessary.
Professor Munjed Al Muderis is an orthopaedic surgeon and a clinical professor at Macquarie University and The Australian School Of Advanced Medicine. He specialises in hip, knee, trauma and osseointegration surgery. He is a fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons and Chairman of the Osseointegration Group of Australia.