A broken leg can be a significant threat to the continued ability to walk. If you break, or fracture, your leg, ask if treatment with surgery should be considered. Surgical correction can often allow people living with Duchenne to get back up on their feet as soon as possible. If you do experience a fracture, make sure that your neuromuscular team is notified before any treatment decisions are made. Your neuromuscular team will help to both guide the care for your fracture, as well as your post-fracture therapy.

Fat embolism syndrome (FES) is a risk in Duchenne and presents a medical emergency. A fat embolism is caused by a tiny piece of fat being released into the blood stream after a bone is broken or significantly bumped. This piece of fat (called an “embolism”) can travel through the blood to the lungs, preventing the body from getting enough oxygen. Symptoms of a fat embolism may include confusion, disorientation, “not acting like yourself,” rapid breathing and heart rate, and/or shortness of breath. If you have had a bump, fall, and/or fracture and are showing any of signs of FES, get to Accident and Emergency (A&E) as quickly as possible. Let the staff know that you suspect you have a fat embolism. This is a medical emergency.