Extending from the knee to the ankle, the tibia is the weight-bearing shin bone and the second longest bone in the body, so it has a higher incidence of fractures than any other long bone.  The types of fractures to the tibia include:

• open or closed
• displaced or undisplaced
• angulated or not angulated
• stable or unstable

A closed tibia fibula fracture shows signs of intense pain, swelling and discoloration from the large amounts of blood flowing from the fractured bone and damaged blood vessels.

Treatment

Treating a tibia fibula fracture can depend on the injury being open or closed.

For a closed fracture, the orthopedist may use a plaster cast or removable plastic cast walker to reduce the fracture and immobilize the leg for 12-16 weeks.

Classifying an open fracture will depend on the extent of broken skin and damage to soft tissue, blood vessels or contamination.  If the fracture is splintered, severely displaced or open, then surgery will be required using:

• pins, screws, metal plates or wires;
• a metal rod through the center of the bone; or
• an external fixator

Physical therapy will be required in order to regain the ability walk which can often take months.  Also, an AV Impulse system may be used when you are immobilized to increase blood flow through the leg, preventing blood clots and reducing swelling.  This can also work the muscles in a simulated walking motion.

Complications

Healing fractures can be very intricate and time-consuming due to poor blood supply in some areas of the bone.  Complications can arise in severe open fractures, including:

• damage to arteries or nerves
• infection which can lead to gangrene
• disfigurement
• displaced fragments in oblique and spiral fractures
• slow union due to severity of fracture and poor blood supply
• imperfect alignment or rotational position
• loss of ROM in the knee, ankle or foot

A tibia fibula fracture is a very serious leg injury that can cause many severe complications.  If you have been in a motor vehicle or pedestrian accident and have sustained a tibia fibula fracture, you may be entitled to compensation for lost wages, pain and suffering and to pay those expensive medical bills.

Our personal injury attorneys at Tarshish Cody  have the necessary experience to help you claim that settlement you deserve.  Contact us today on 612-808-8999 (or fill out the free Case Evaluation Form) to speak to one of our attorneys and find out how we can help.

Attorneys Practicing In This Area

Benjamin Tarshish

Kyle Kosieracki