Tibial Fractures
Description
This is a break of the shinbone. That’s the larger of the two bones in the lower leg. Tibias are strong bones that support most of your body’s weight.
Animations
Tibial Fractures
Causes & Triggers
Causes
Fracturing a tibia requires a lot of force. You can break a tibia in a traumatic accident. Road accidents are common culprits. Falls are, too. Tibia fractures are also a problem for skiers, and for people who play contact sports. Diseases that weaken your bones can make a fracture more likely.
Types of Fractures
There are many types of fractures. You can have a small crack in the bone, or the bone can be broken into two or more parts. A break in the upper or lower part of the bone may also damage the knee or ankle joint.
- Accident
- Fall
- High-impact collision (especially motor vehicle accident)
- Overuse
- Sports injuries
Signs & Symptoms
A tibia fracture is painful. Your leg may swell, and you may not be able to put any weight on it. If you have a bad fracture, your bone may shift. It can push against or even through through your skin. And if a broken bone presses against a nerve inyour leg, it can cause a loss of feeling in your foot.
- Apparent deformity
- Inability to bear weight
- Instability
- Numbness or coolness in the foot
- Pain
- Swelling
Tips & Treatment
Treatment options depend on your fracture. Some fractures can heal in a cast, but others need surgery. Your healthcare provider can create a plan that’s right for you.
- Because the tibia is an important weight-bearing bone and this injury type can be severe, seek immediate medical treatment after injury.
- In the elderly, this fracture can occur with a lower-impact fall or trauma if bone health is poor.
- Non-surgical treatment may include immobilizing the area with a splint and/or brace.
- Surgical intervention may be required if the fracture does not heal with conventional treatment or if the break is severe.
