Treatment Treatment often involves surgical repair by inserting an intramedullary nail into the tibia. This metal nail is also known as an ‘IM nail’. Its purpose is to hold the fracture in place. Your surgeon may also use an external fixator.
What are the treatment options for a broken tibia?
The following surgical procedures are most commonly used to treat tibia fractures: external fixation, which connects screws or pins in the fracture to a metal bar outside your leg for added stability Typically, these surgical methods are accompanied by physical therapy, at-home exercises, and pain medication.
How is a spiral fracture of the tibia treated?
Spiral fractures where the bones has twised. Treatment often involves surgical repair by inserting an intramedullary nail into the tibia. This is a metal nail is also known as an ‘IM nail’. Its purpose is to hold the fracture in place.
What are non-operative treatment approaches for a tibial plateau fracture?
Non-operative treatment approaches for a tibial plateau fracture include the following: 1 Plaster cast immobilization 2 Skeletal traction 3 Functional cast bracing More ...
What is a broken tibia?
A broken tibia can be a variety of complex injuries, that often involve the knee and ankle as well. There are various types of fracture. A simple tibia fracture is a mid-shaft break where the bone stays pretty much in line.
How long does a chipped tibia take to heal?
What is the recovery process for a tibia fracture? Recovery time for a tibia fracture typically takes 4-6 months to heal completely. If the fracture is open or comminuted, healing time may take longer. Your doctor will often prescribe medications for pain-relief for a short period of time after the injury or surgery.
Can you walk with a chipped tibia?
Can you still walk with a fractured tibia? In most cases, the answer is no. Walking after a tibia fracture can make your injury worse and may cause further damage to the surrounding muscles, ligaments and skin.
Can you walk with a chipped shin bone?
You usually will not be able to walk on it. If it's a severe fracture, the leg may be an odd shape and the bone may even be poking out of the skin. There may have been a "crack" sound when the leg was broken, and the shock and pain of breaking your leg may cause you to feel faint, dizzy or sick.
Can a broken tibia heal without surgery?
Distal tibial metaphyseal fractures usually heal well after setting them without surgery and applying a cast. However, there is a risk of full or partial early closure of the growth plate. This may lead to a growth arrest in the form of leg length discrepancy or other deformity.
Can you chip your tibia bone?
Tibial shaft fractures are often caused by some type of high-energy collision, such as a motor vehicle or motorcycle crash. In cases like these, the bone can be broken into several pieces (comminuted fracture).
How do you know if you have chipped your shin bone?
there may be swelling, bruising or tenderness around the injured area. you may feel pain when you put weight on the injury, touch it, press it, or move it. the injured part may look deformed – in severe breaks, the broken bone may be poking through the skin.
Does a bone chip need to be removed?
Your doctor may prescribe an anti-inflammatory medication. Small bone chips that do not affect elbow motion and do not cause further pain do not need to be removed. Surgery may be needed to remove a large bone chip.
Does a chipped bone require surgery?
Fractures that require surgery The goal of fracture treatment is to allow the bone to heal and fuse back together. Often, this can be accomplished by immobilizing the bone for several months with the help of a cast and splint. The more severe the fracture is, the more likely it is that surgery will be recommended.
Does a chipped bone heal?
Once the bones are held together with the metal they generally heal up very well. No surgery: Other times your doctor will be able to get the broken pieces of bone to line up in a good location where the bones will heal on their own without surgery.
Is a tibia fracture serious?
A broken tibia-fibula is a fracture in the lower leg that happens when a fall or blow places more pressure on the bones than they can withstand. A tibia-fibula fracture is a serious injury that requires prompt immediate medical attention. With timely and proper treatment, a broken tibia-fibula can heal completely.
What is the fastest way to heal a broken tibia?
The three key steps to faster bone healing are:Alignment of the broken bone fragments.Stability and support at the fracture site through immobilization.Healthy lifestyle choices that promote healing.
How long does it take to walk after tibia fracture?
Most people with tibial shaft fractures do very well and return to prior activities and function. By six weeks, patients are extremely comfortable and usually are released to full activities such as manual labor, skiing and motocross by four months.
What do surgeons put on the tibia?
The surgeon may also use rods placed inside the tibia or pins placed through the bones above and below the fracture.
What is the best test for tibia?
a computed tomography (CT) scan, also called a CAT scan, which is more powerful than an X-ray and gives a 3-D image of the bone. a magnetic resonance imaging ( MRI) scan for a detailed image of the muscles, ligaments, and bones around the tibia.
What is the shin bone?
Outlook. The shinbone or tibia is the long bone located in the lower leg between the knee and foot. Tibial fractures are common and usually caused by an injury or repetitive strain on the bone. A fracture is another word for a break. In some cases, the only symptom of a small fracture is a pain in the shin while walking.
What is a tibia fracture?
A tibia fracture refers to any crack or breaks in the tibia bone. The tibia is one of two bones that make up the lower leg, the other being the fibula. The tibia is the larger of these two bones. The tibia plays a key role in body mechanics, as it is: the larger of the two lower leg bones.
What type of fracture is a tibia?
The tibia can have the following types of fracture: Stable fracture. A stable fracture involves a crack in the bone that leaves most of the bone intact and in its normal position. The broken parts of the tibia line up and maintain their correct position during the healing process.
What is the tibia?
Share on Pinterest. The tibia is the larger bone in the lower leg. It plays a key role in supporting a person’s body weight. According to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, the tibia is the most common long bone in the body to fracture. A tibia fracture refers to any crack or breaks in the tibia bone.
What are the complications of a tibia fracture?
Complications. Complications of a tibia fracture may include: complications from surgery or the need for further surgeries. nerve, muscle, or blood vessel damage. compartment syndrome, a serious condition which there is a reduction in blood supply to the leg due to swelling. a bone infection called osteomyelitis.
How long does it take for a tibia fracture to heal?
In general, tibia fractures will take a minimum of three months for healing, and many can take much longer for a full recovery.
What is a tibia fracture?
Tibia fractures can occur from many types of injuries and come in different shapes and sizes. Each fracture must be treated with individual factors taken into account. Andrew Brookes / Getty Images. In general, tibia fractures can be separated into three categories based on the location of the fracture.
What is the most common type of tibia fracture?
These fractures are at especially high risk of developing an infection and generally require surgical treatment in all cases. 1 . Tibial s haft fractures : Tibial shaft fractures, which occur between the knee and ankle joints, are the most common type of tibia fracture.
What is the tibia in the shin bone?
He specializes in spinal deformity and complex spinal reconstruction. The tibia is the major bone of the lower leg, commonly referred to as the shin bone. Tibia fractures can occur from many types of injuries and come in different shapes and sizes.
What is the treatment for fracture alignment?
In many of these cases, a cast is used for treatment. In other situations, the fracture alignment or stability may be such that surgery will help to ensure more proper healing of the bone. Surgical treatment options can vary and may include pins, plates, screws, and rods.
What is the best test for ankle fracture?
Other tests can be helpful, including MRIs and CT scans. When the fracture involves the area surrounding the ankle or knee joint, a CT scan can help your surgeon plan how to best reconstruct the important surface of the joint. MRIs are most often used if there is a question regarding the diagnosis of a fracture, ...
Can a tibial fracture be treated with a cast?
Some tibial shaft fractures can be treated in a long leg cast. However, some fractures have too much displacement or angulation and may require surgery to realign and secure the bones. 2 . Tibial plateau fractures : Tibial plateau fractures occur just below the knee joint. These fractures require consideration of the knee joint ...
How to prevent tibia fracture?
However, the following tips can help lower your risk of a tibia fracture. Don’t smoke or use tobacco products. Keep home clean and floor clutter free to avoid falling or tripping. Eat a diet rich in calcium to lower risk of osteoporosis. Exercise regularly to keep bones and muscles in shape.
How long does it take for a tibia fracture to heal?
What is the recovery process for a tibia fracture? Recovery time for a tibia fracture typically takes 4-6 months to heal completely. If the fracture is open or comminuted, healing time may take longer. Your doctor will often prescribe medications for pain-relief for a short period of time after the injury or surgery.
What type of fracture is a horizontal line going straight across the tibia?
They are classified depending on their location and the pattern of the break. Transverse fracture: the break of a transverse fracture is a horizontal line going straight across the tibial shaft.
What can a physical therapist do for a leg injury?
Exercising during the recovery process is essential, and physical therapy will help restore muscle strength, joint motion, and flexibility to the affected leg. A physical therapist can also teach you how to properly use crutches and a walker.
Can you put weight on a broken leg?
At the beginning of the healing process, you will probably need the assistance of crutches or a walker. Some cases may allow the patient to put as much weight as possible onto the leg after the injury or surgery, but you may not able to put your full weight onto the leg until the fracture is healed.
Can a fracture be surgically treated?
Surgical treatment may be recommended for patients who have an open fracture, a comminuted fracture, or a fracture that has not healed properly with non-surgical treatment. There are several different methods that may be used depending upon the location of the break, how severe the break is, and if other parts of the leg (muscles, tendons) have been damaged.
How long does it take to recover from a tibia fracture?
Tibia Fracture. A tibia fracture in the lower leg is the most common injury of all long bone fractures. Full recovery can take at least a year and sometimes two. Here we explain the various types and causes, as well as treatment and rehabilitation.
What is a tibia fracture?
A tibia fracture is a break of the tibia (shin bone). They are normally caused by trauma such as a sports injury, or a fall at home or work. A broken tibia can be a variety of complex injuries, that often involve the knee and ankle as well.
How long does it take to cast a fractured leg?
Simple fracture treatment. These are often treated conservatively with a full leg cast for usually 4 weeks. This is followed by a below-knee or patella tendon bearing cast for a further 6 weeks. The patient will be non-weight bearing for the first 4 weeks and will gradually start to increase load over the next 6 weeks.
Where is the tibial plateau?
Multiple, comminuted, compound (breaks skin) and those involving fractures through the ankle joint or the tibial plateau, which is the bit at the top of the bone just below the knee will often need more intensive treatment.
How long does it take for a fractured ankle to heal?
Problems: Fracture healing will take longer and can often be an issue for up to six months whilst the patient is still on crutches. Ankle and knee outcomes are a concern, as the patient often experiences long-term problems and restrictions due to the complexity of the fractures.
Fractured Tibia Overview
Fractured tibia injuries are most commonly caused by a direct force being applied to the shaft of the tibia, such as during a road traffic collision. Tibial fractures can also be caused by forceful twisting injuries, usually as a result of playing heavy contact sports.
What is the Definition of a Fractured Tibia?
The tibia bone which is your shin bone, is located in the lower leg, between the knee and the ankle. A fractured tibia is a common, yet extremely painful injury that can be a traumatic experience for the patient. The tibia and the fibula are the two bones that make up the lower part of the leg.
Are There Different Types of Tibia Fractures?
Fractured tibia injuries can vary in type and severity, depending on the nature of the injury and the level of force that causes the fracture in the bone. For example, in a stable fractured tibia, the fragments of broken bone will still be correctly in line, but in a displaced fracture, the pieces of bone will be out of their normal alignment.
What are the Most Common Causes of a Fractured Tibia?
Fractured tibia injuries are most commonly caused by a high-impact force, such as a vehicle collision or a motorcycling accident. Comminuted fractures are typical following these kinds of injuries, where the bone breaks into several fragments. Other causes of this type of leg injury include taking part in the following activities and sports:
What are the Symptoms of a Fractured Tibia?
Fractured tibia symptoms depend on many factors, including the cause of the injury, the type of fracture and the location of the break in the bone. For example, fractured tibial plateau symptoms may be different to symptoms of a fractured lower tibia.
How is a Fractured Tibia Diagnosed?
During the process of diagnosing a fractured tibia, your doctor will want to know specific details about your injury, such as how fast you were travelling if your fractured tibia was caused by a car accident.
How is a Fractured Tibia Treated?
When assessing what kind of fractured tibia treatment is right for you, your doctor will take several factors into consideration. These will include:
After a hard impact (martial arts) my shin bone seems to have been chipped. the area is now all mushy, how long before it is replaced with hard bone?
Contusion: It is more likely that you have a hematoma (collection of blood after an injury). The shin area is very commonly involved since there is a small amoun... Read More
I think i chipped my shin bone. what would a doctor do about it? is it even worth going?
Yes: There are various concerns with this. An X-ray could be very helpful to determine if anything more was needed... or not.
I banged my shin really hard nearly a month ago and there is still pain and a lump on my shin, could i have chipped a bone and will this heal?
Maybe: From your description you probably did not break the bone, but you may have bruised it or the tissue over it (periosteum) or the tissues under the ski... Read More
Heart flopping and racing, i have been taking adderall (dextroamphetamine and racemic amphetamine) 20mg bid fit about 3 years. other symptoms include swelling along shin bone on right leg only?
Stop Adderall (dextroamphetamine and racemic amphetamine) : Adderall (dextroamphetamine and racemic amphetamine) is harmful to your brain cells and very addictive, there are many ways to treat the lack of focus... Read More
What are symptoms of shock from breaking a big leg bone or other major injury?
Let us try to help: Although the most common shock observed in trauma is related to hemorrhage, shock can be classified into three general categories, neurogenic, hypovol... Read More
My dad have a pain on his left leg..im afraid if he had a tuberculosis bone? what are the syntoms?
Usually not first : Tuberculosis, or tb, usually will come with other symptoms, such as chronic fever, lung issues like chronic cough, and weight loss. You can have bone ... Read More
I have chipped the bone in my knee and it sticks out and hurts when i bend my leg?
Loose body: You may have a loose fragment in your knee if that is the case, when you move the chip can move and can cause your knee to lock up if this is what i... Read More
What are the symptoms of a fractured tibia?
The symptoms of a tibial plateau fracture are: Pain when weight is applied. Deformity around the knee. Swelling.
What causes a fracture in the upper tibia?
A fracture of the upper tibia can occur from stress (minor breaks from unusual excessive activity) or from already compromised bone (as in cancer or infection). Most, however, are the result of trauma (injury). Both low-energy injuries (fall from a height and sports-related trauma) and high-energy injuries (motor vehicle accidents) can cause tibial plateau fractures. Additionally, these fractures may result in improper limb alignment. The upper tibia is also prone to becoming fractured in high speed accidents such as those associated with skiing, horseback riding and certain water sports.
What is a tibial plateau fracture?
A tibial plateau fracture is a bone fracture or break in the continuity of the bone occurring in the proximal (upper) part of the tibia (shinbone). The tibial plateau is one of the most critical loadbearing areas in the human body. The bone comprising the tibial plateau is cancellous (“crunchy”), as opposed to the thicker cortical bone of the tibial shaft. The composition of the bone is important, because cancellous bone may compress and remain depressed when it is injured. Fractures of the tibial plateau are often associated with injuries to the anterior cruciate ligament, collateral ligaments, menisci and articular cartilage. Tibial plateau fractures affect the knee alignment, joint, stability and movement. Thus, fractures of the tibial plateau are considered quite serious as this upper surface of the bone contains structures which are critical to the knee functioning.
What is external fixator?
If the condition of the soft tissues is such that the application of a cast or splint would be unwise, an “external fixator” may be considered. With this device, (often temporary) pins are inserted above and below the joint. These pins exit the skin and are connected by bars, which stabilize the knee joint.
Is cast bracing a nonsurgical treatment?
However, functional cast bracing is now preferred as nonsurgical treatment.
