Pre-Tibial Laceration

The wound on your shin is called a pre-tibial laceration.  It is not like a simple cut and may take many weeks to heal fully.

We sometimes use paper stitches called steristrips on this type of cut because the skin is too thin to use normal stitches, or we may just use a special dressing.

We have put a bandage on from your toes to your knee to make sure that the circulation to your legs stays even.  This will help the cut heal well.

You should:

·        Keep the bandage on until you visit your GP or the Central Treatment Suite.

·        Walk around as normal

·        Keep your foot raised on a stool when you are sitting down.  Your foot should be higher than your hip.

·        Take tablets such as ibuprofen or paracetamol (both available from a chemist) to relieve any pain.

You should not:

• Get your bandage wet.
• Stand still – don’t do jobs like ironing or washing up until your cut is better.
• Remove the dressing.

Go to your GP, Walk-in-Centre or the nearest Emergency Department if:

 ·        Your leg bleeds a lot making the bandage very wet.

·        Your leg becomes very swollen.

·        You are worried about your leg for any reason