Pre-Tibial Laceration

You have been treated in the Emergency Department/Minor Injuries Unit with a Pre- tibial laceration. This leaflet explains how to care for your leg at home. 

This is the name given to a wound over the shin. The skin is very thin here and the blood supply is not as good. This means that: 

• The wound is closed with steristrips "paper stitches' as this is the best way to close the skin without putting extra pressure over the wound. 

• The wound will be slow to heal, taking several weeks. 

You can help the wound to heal by following these instructions:

The first few days 

Walk taking frequent breaks and avoid any episodes of prolonged standing. Keep your leg elevated e.g. on a stool or sofa and place a pillow underneath so that the ankle is elevated above your hips. 

Move your toes, ankle & knee hourly for at least 1-2 minutes to reduce the risk of a blood clot (DVT) developing in your leg. 

Use your big toe to trace out the letters 

of the alphabet, doing this at least once every hour to ensure you have exercised your calf muscles. 

If the wound is painful take regular analgesia such as paracetamol. Do not take additional paracetamol if taking any other medication which contains paracetamol. If in doubt, ask your doctor or pharmacist. 

Please do not remove the dressing until reviewed at your GP nurse (3-4 days). This allows the wound to start healing if let undisturbed. 

If the bandage becomes wet or blood soaks through please attend your GP nurse or Emergency Department to have another layer placed. 

Until your wound has healed 

• Keep your leg elevated at night to help prevent swelling. 

• Keep the wound dry to help prevent infection developing. 

• If possible try to stop smoking as this will improve the circulation to the wound and speed up healing. This benefit is seen within a few days of stopping smoking. Eat a healthy diet containing fruit and vegetables. Consider multivitamins if you are unable to do this. This will again speed up healing of the wound. 

Symptoms of Infection 

• Increasing pain that does not settle with elevation. 

• Redness around the wound or spreading up your leg. 

• Pus or foul smelling discharge coming from the wound. 

• You become unwell with fever, vomiting or flu like symptoms. 

Itching can happen with the wound and is not a sign of infection. 

If you are worried about the wound becoming infected seek a review with your practice nurse. 

Follow up: 

Please organise practice nurse review in 7 days.