What is tibia/fibula fracture open reduction and internal fixation? Open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) is a type of surgery used to stabilize and heal a broken bone. You might need this procedure to treat your broken shinbone (tibia) or your fibula.
What are the treatment options for an open fibula fracture?
Doctors will treat open fibula fractures immediately and look for any other injuries. Antibiotics will be administered to prevent infection. A tetanus shot will also be given if necessary. The wound will be cleaned thoroughly, examined, stabilized, and then covered so that it can heal.
What is an open reduction for a broken tibia or fibula?
If you fracture your tibia or fibula, you might need ORIF to bring your bones back into place and help them heal. During an open reduction, orthopedic surgeons reposition your bone pieces during surgery to put them back into position. In a closed reduction, a healthcare provider moves the bones back into place without surgically exposing the bone.
What is an open reduction fracture?
These injuries are usually fractures that are displaced, unstable, or those that involve the joint. “Open reduction” means a surgeon makes an incision to re-align the bone.
What is the prognosis of a fracture of the fibula?
Most fractures of the fibula do not have any serious complications. Within a few weeks to several months, most patients make a full recovery and can continue their normal activities.
When does a fibula fracture need surgery?
If the syndesmosis is damaged at the ankle, you might need surgery to re-align the bones. Fibular fractures with ankle injuries will usually require surgery.
What type of fracture requires open reduction surgery?
Open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) is a type of surgery used to stabilize and heal a broken bone. You might need this procedure to treat your broken ankle. Three bones make up the ankle joint. These are the tibia (shinbone), the fibula (the smaller bone in your leg), and the talus (a bone in your foot).
When is open reduction internal fixation used?
Open reduction and internal fixation is a surgical procedure for repairing fractured bone using either plates, screws or an intramedullary (IM) rod to stabilise the bone. It is used to repair severely displaced or open bone fractures where the fracture has pierced the skin.
What is the best treatment for a broken fibula?
The general process for healing a fibula fracture is immobilization with a splint or cast for several weeks, after which you might get a walking boot to help you walk. Recovery time depends on factors such as: the severity of the injury and the presence of any other injury at the same time. your age.
Which fracture does not need ORIF?
The hardware may include screws, plates, rods, wires, or nails. This helps the bone heal correctly. Most people do not need ORIF for tibia/fibula fractures.
When does a broken ankle Need surgery?
Not all broken ankles require surgery, but all broken ankles require some level of care to heal. You probably won't need surgery if you have a stress fracture. You might need a brace or cast to support your ankle while it heals. More serious ankle fractures require reduction or surgery.
What is the disadvantage of open reduction?
Cons. Drawbacks of ORIF can include infection, swelling, and mobility of the installed hardware. The recovery process can take several months, because bones grow slowly. Other factors that can affect recovery are the location and severity of the fracture, the age of the patient, and the type of bone broken.
Which condition would most likely require an ORIF?
You are more likely to need ORIF if:The pieces of your leg are severely out of position.Your broken tibia or fibula pierced through the skin.Your tibia or fibula broke into several pieces.Your fracture is in the knee or ankle joint.Your bones haven't healed normally after other treatments.
Why is it called open reduction?
Open reduction is where the fracture fragments are exposed surgically by dissecting the tissues. Closed reduction is the manipulation of the bone fragments without surgical exposure of the fragments.
Can you walk on a broken fibula after 4 weeks?
Because the fibula is not a weight-bearing bone, your doctor might allow you walk as the injury recovers. You also might be advised to use crutches, avoiding weight on the leg, until the bone heals because of the fibula's role in ankle stability.
How long does it take a distal fibula fracture to heal?
Distal Fibula Stress Fracture - with follow upHealing:This normally takes approximately 6 weeks to heal.Pain and Swelling:The swelling is often worse at the end of the day and elevating it will help. Pain and swelling can be ongoing for 3-6 months. Take pain killers as prescribed.5 more rows
Can a broken fibula heal in 4 weeks?
The fibula usually takes about three to six months to heal. Healing depends on many factors, such as age, vitamin D levels and the type of fracture. The healing may be faster by getting adequate rest, not putting too much weight on the leg and following the doctor's care instructions.
Abstract
Isolated distal fibula fractures represent the majority of ankle fractures. These fractures are often the result of a low-energy trauma with external rotation and supination mechanism. Diagnosis is based on clinical signs and radiographic exam. Stress X-rays have a role in detecting associated mortise instability.
INTRODUCTION
Ankle fractures are frequent injuries [ 1 ], increasing in elderly patients as a consequence of osteoporosis [ 2 ]. In most literature reports, distal fibula fractures represent the majority of ankle fractures [ 3 ]. These fractures are often the result of a low energy trauma with an external rotation and supination mechanism.
EPIDEMIOLOGY
Ankle fractures are frequent injuries, accounting for about 9% of all fractures [ 1 ]. Moreover, there has been a sharp increase in osteoporosis related ankle fracture incidence in recent years. Isolated distal fibula fractures represent the most frequent ankle fracture type [ 3, 4 ].
MECHANISM OF LATERAL MALLEOLUS FRACTURE
Stability of the ankle mortise is determined by bony components (fibula, tibia and talus) and ligamentous structures (syndesmosis complex and lateral and medial collateral ligaments). Dynamic musculotendinous stabilizers, which exact function is less understood, also play a relevant role.
DIAGNOSIS
Clinical signs of an isolated fracture of the distal fibula are not specific and may not be distinguishable from a severe ankle sprain. These signs include swelling, bruising, pain, ecchymosis, tenderness and reduced range of motion (ROM).
CLASSIFICATION
Although the fibula carries only 10% of the body weight (compared to 90% carried by the tibia) [ 35 ], its role is crucial in the stability of the ankle mortise. Based on this statement, to define an ankle with isolated fibula fracture as stable or unstable is crucial to guide proper treatment.
MANAGEMENT
Clinical and biomechanical data indicate that maintenance of talar reduction is the most important factor for the prognosis of ankle fractures [ 43, 44 ]. A residual dislocation leads to a series of complications including impaired healing, early osteoarthritis and residual instability.
What is a fibula fracture?
A fibula fracture is used to describe a break in the fibula bone. A forceful impact, such as landing after a high jump or any impact to the outer aspect of the leg, can cause a fracture. Even rolling or spraining an ankle puts stress on the fibula bone, which can lead to a fracture.
What is the goal of a closed fracture?
The goal of treating closed fractures is to put the bone back in place, control the pain, give the fracture time to heal, prevent complications, and restore normal function. Treatment begins with the elevation of the leg.
What is the difference between a fibula and a tibia?
What to know about fibula fractures. The fibula and tibia are the two long bones of the lower leg. The fibula, or calf bone, is a small bone located on the outside of the leg. The tibia, or shinbone, is the weight-bearing bone and is in the inside of the lower leg. The fibula and the tibia join together at the knee and ankle joints.
What percentage of fibula fractures are associated with trauma?
According to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, there is a 40 to 70 percent rate of associated trauma elsewhere within the body. Doctors will treat open fibula fractures immediately and look for any other injuries. Antibiotics will be administered to prevent infection.
What happens when you open a fracture?
In an open fracture, either the bone pokes through the skin and can be seen or a deep wound exposes the bone through the skin. Open fractures are often the result of a high-energy trauma or direct blow, such as a fall or motor vehicle collision.
How to tell if fibula is fractured?
Symptoms. Pain, swelling, and tenderness are some of the most common signs and symptoms of a fractured fibula. Other signs and symptoms include: Inability to bear weight on the injured leg. Bleeding and bruising in the leg. Visible deformity. Numbness and coldness in the foot. Tender to the touch.
What is the best treatment for a swollen knee?
Once the area has healed, individuals can stretch and strengthen weakened joints with the help of a physical therapist.
How long does it take to heal a fibula fracture?
Recovery and home care. The general process for healing a fibula fracture is immobilization with a splint or cast for several weeks , after which you might get a walking boot to help you walk. Recovery time depends on factors such as: the severity of the injury and the presence of any other injury at the same time.
What happens when a fibula fractures?
A fibula fracture happens when more pressure is put on the bone than it can handle. Seek emergency medical attention if you think you might have a fracture, particularly if the fracture breaks skin and bone is visible.
What are the factors that increase the risk of fibula fracture?
that the biggest risk factor of a fibula fracture is low bone mass. Low bone mass increases the amount of stress or trauma on the fibula. Factors that reduce bone mass can also increase your risk for a fracture. These include: smoking. being female (except for fractures near the ankle) older age.
What is a closed reduction?
closed reduction: Your doctor realigns ends of a broken bone without cutting into your skin. open reduction: Your doctor does invasive surgery on bones that may have broken in more than two places. nonunion: Nonunion can be surgical or noninvasive, and it’s done when the ends of a fractured bone don’t heal together.
How to tell if fibula fracture is a neurovascular injury?
tenderness and bruising. pain that gets worse when putting pressure on the leg. tingling or numbness, which usually happens if there is a neurovascular injury.
What is the function of the fibula?
The fibula helps stabilize and support your leg, body, ankle, and leg muscles. It runs parallel to the tibia, a larger bone that also forms the shin, and attaches the ankle and knee joint. The fibula only carries 17 percent of the body’s weight. A fibula fracture happens when more pressure is put on the bone than it can handle.
How long does it take for a fractured bone to heal?
After an injury, it can take up to 12-16 weeks to make a full recovery. Your doctor will use X-rays to see how well your fracture is healing. They’ll also look to see when they can remove the screws, if you have them.
What is the difference between open reduction and internal fixation?
Open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) is a type of treatment to fix a broken bone. It puts the pieces of a broken bone back together so they can heal. Open reduction means the bones are put back in place during a surgery. Internal fixation means that special hardware is used to hold the bone pieces together.
What causes a broken fibula?
A broken tibia or fibula can happen from a car or bicycle accident, contact sports, a fall, or activities with movements that you do over and over again. Older adults with low bone density (osteoporosis) are more at risk for breaks in these bones.
How is tibia surgery done?
The surgeon will make a cut (incision) through the skin and muscle of your leg. He or she will put the pieces of your tibia and fibula back into place (reduction). The pieces of the broken bones will be secured to each other (fixation).
How does a tibia fracture happen?
How does a tibia/fibula fracture happen? The tibia and fibula are the 2 bones of your lower leg. The tibia is your shinbone. It’s the larger bone. The fibula is the smaller bone that sits next to the tibia. The top of the tibia forms part of the knee joint.
What is internal fixation?
Internal fixation means that special hardware is used to hold the bone pieces together. This helps the bone heal correctly. The procedure is done by an orthopedic surgeon. This is a doctor with special training in treating bone, joint, and muscle problems.
What is it called when you have a broken ankle?
A fracture near your ankle may be called a broken ankle. You may have a fracture in 1 or both of the bones. A bone may break but the pieces are still lined up correctly. Or the pieces may not line up correctly. This is called a displaced fracture.
What do doctors use to fix broken bones?
The pieces of the broken bones will be secured to each other (fixation). Your doctor may use screws, metal plates, wires, or pins. For a fracture in the middle of the tibia, a special metal rod may be put through the middle of the bone.
How to heal a broken fibula?
Rest – Taking it easy will help allow the body to perform its natural healing process and limits the risk of reinjury. Ice – The coolness of the ice will help reduce the swelling that will occur after a broken fibula injury.
How long does it take to recover from a fibula fracture?
For small stress fractures, small cracks in the fibula as a result of repeated activities such as jumping, some patients may only require simple rest, ice, compression and elevation for a short one to two week recovery. For breaks, the R.I.C.E. method will minimize the effects and hasten the recovery time.
How long does it take for a fibula to heal?
Patients asking, “How long does a broken fibula take to heal?”, the answer is, four to six weeks. As this injuries involves a break or fracture of bone, there is little that can be done to hasten this recovery time other than through preventative measures.
How much weight does the fibula bear?
Though the fibula only bears 17% of our body’s weight, if it experiences a break or a fracture, it will make itself known.
What is closed reduction?
The closed reduction method consist of the doctor manually realigning the fibula bone to ensure that the bone heals and connects correctly. This is required when there is a clean break of the fibula bone in two pieces without any fragments.
What is the best way to reduce swelling in the leg?
Compression – A compression wrap will help support the injured leg and reduce swelling, while a medical boot can also help support the leg and reduce the risk of harm to the injured area. Elevation – Elevation will help minimize the blood flow to the injured leg in order to reduce swelling and bruising.
Can surgery cause nerve damage?
Surgery can cause damage to nerves, bleeding or infection in very rare instances. The bone shortens after the injury (happens with children). If you have suffered a broken fibula or stress fracture, contact our Pembroke Pines, Palmetto, West Palm Beach or Hollywood offices today.
How long does it take to recover from a fractured bone?
Generally, recovery takes 3 to 12 months. Every surgery is different. Complete recovery depends on the type, severity, and location of your fracture. Recovery can take longer if you develop complications after surgery. Once your bones begin to heal, your doctor may have you do physical or occupational therapy.
How long do you stay in the hospital after a broken leg?
They’ll also check the nerves near the broken bone. Depending on your surgery, you may go home that day or you might stay in the hospital for one to several days. If you have an arm fracture, you may go home later that day. If you have a leg fracture, you might have to stay longer.
What is ORIF surgery?
ORIF is performed by an orthopedic surgeon. The surgery is used to fix fractures in the arms and legs, including bones in the shoulder, elbow, wrist, hip, knee, and ankle. Depending on your fracture and risk for complications, your procedure might be done immediately or scheduled in advance.
What is an ORIF?
Overview. Open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) is a surgery to fix severely broken bones. It’s only used for serious fractures that can’t be treated with a cast or splint. These injuries are usually fractures that are displaced, unstable, or those that involve the joint. “Open reduction” means a surgeon makes an incision to re-align the bone.
How long does an ORIF last?
ORIF isn’t for minor fractures that can be healed with a cast or splint. ORIF recovery can last 3 to 12 months.
How long does it take to heal from an ORIF?
ORIF isn’t for minor fractures that can be healed with a cast or splint. ORIF recovery can last 3 to 12 months. You’ll need physical or occupational therapy, pain medication, and lots of rest. You should contact your doctor if you experience bleeding, increasing pain, or other new symptoms during recovery.
What is the first part of a bone fracture?
The first part is open reduction. The surgeon will cut the skin and move the bone back into the normal position. The second part is internal fixation. The surgeon will attach metal rods, screws, plates, or pins to the bone to hold it together. The type of hardware used depends on the location and type of fracture.
