Hospital Stay After Car Accident with Concussion and Leg Fracture: Typical Course

Admission for concussion + tibial/fibular fracture involves coordinated trauma/ortho/neuro care. Stay ranges 3–14 days typically.

Day 0–1: Stabilization & Workup

• Trauma bay: ABCDE, FAST, CXR, pelvic XR.
• Head CT (concussion); extremity CT (fracture pattern, joint involvement).
• Ortho consult: reduction/splinting vs. ORIF planning.
• Neuro checks q1–2h; concussion protocol (cognitive/physical rest).

Day 1–3: Definitive Fixation & Monitoring

• ORIF (IM nail, plate, external fixator) once medically cleared.
• Post-op: neurovascular checks q1h×24h, compartment syndrome vigilance.
• Pain: multimodal (nerve block, scheduled acetaminophen/NSAID, opioid PRN).
• DVT prophylaxis: mechanical + pharmacologic (unless contraindicated).

Day 3–7: Mobilization & Clearance

• PT: NWB → PWB → FWB per fixation stability.
• Concussion resolution: symptom-limited return to activity.
• Wound checks; transition to oral meds.

Discharge Criteria

• Pain controlled on PO analgesics.
• Safe mobility with assistive device.
• Neurocognitive baseline restored.
• Follow-up scheduled: ortho (2 wks), neuro (1–2 wks), PT.

Complications (infection, DVT, hardware failure, post-concussion syndrome) extend stay. Discharge to home vs. rehab depends on support, stairs, cognition.