![]() ![]() As a result, the fracture or phase of the healing process will determine if a patient will either be non-weight bearing, partially weight-bearing/toe-touch weight-bearing, or full weight-bearing. Physical Therapy after Tibia and Fibula FracturesĪfter surgery, physical therapy will begin as soon as the surgeon decides. The full recovery time of a tibia/fibula fracture takes between 3 and 6 months. Swelling will decrease, and the patient is eventually able to weight bear and walk normally fully. Throughout the course of physical therapy, ankle mobility, strength, and balance improve. ![]() How Long Does It Take to Recover From a Fractured Tibia and Fibula? For more severe and unstable fractures this procedure is the choice of the surgeon. Intramedullary Nailing: The placement of a rod into the medullary cavity of the bone with nails screwed to the 2 ends of the bone to stabilize the fracture.Įxternal Fixation: Bone fragments are held in alignment and screws or pins support the leg from outside. X-Ray of an Open Reduction and Internal Fixation (ORIF)Ĭlosed Reduction: The bone is realigned without making an incision at the site of injury. Open Reduction and Internal Fixation (ORIF): Consist of moving the broken bone fragments back into the original position, held in place by a metal plate held by screws. Common surgeries consist of the following: Surgery for a Tibia and Fibula FractureĪll open fractures will require surgery. ![]() Oblique fractures are typically unstable and can shorten. Usually, spiral and transverse fractures are stable enough for a cast. When a fracture is stable, a recommendation of casting without any surgical procedure is usually the best option. Non-Surgery Can a Broken Tibia and Fibula Heal Without Surgery? An MRI will show the integrity of the ligaments, muscles, or any other soft tissue structures involved in the injury. A CT scan will give a more in-depth image of the bone. ![]() Sometimes, stress fractures may not show up on an X-ray, and another form of imaging would be warranted. To confirm a fracture of the tibia and fibula, an X-ray is the first line of diagnostics and is usually sufficient to diagnose a fracture. Other symptoms include extreme tenderness, swelling, numbness due to artery or nerve damage, and bruising. With a tibial fracture, it’s highly unlikely the individual will be able to bear weight. If the fibula is only fractured, depending on severity, walking may be tolerable but likely very painful if it’s at the ankle level. Often there is a deformity present in the limb or a wound where the bone protrudes through the skin. Those with tibia and fibula fractures have severe pain at the location of the injury. Elderly individuals with osteoporosis can easily suffer fractures with falls or other mishaps. Others are non-contact forces on the ankle, such as severe inversion (foot rolling in). Some include trauma from a high fall, contact sports, or vehicle accidents. Several causes can attribute to tibia and fibula fractures. Of the two bones, a fracture is more common in the tibia.
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