What You Need to Know About Tibia Fractures
Also known as shinbone, the tibia is one of the two larger bones present in the lower leg. It is also noticed that the tibia is one of the most commonly fractured bones in the human body. When it comes to injuries in the tibia, they can occur due to accidental trauma and disease as well. Whereas the symptoms of tibia fractures will also depend upon the extent of the injury. Tibia fractures can be classified into three categories.
Classification of Tibia Fractures
Tibial Shaft Fractures
Tibial shaft fractures are known to be one of the most common types of tibia fractures. They occur between the knee and ankle joints. When it comes to their treatment, moderate or non-serious cases can be treated by applying one leg cast. While on the other hand, in severe cases surgical realignment of the fractured bones is done. For surgery, trauma implants like Multifix Interlocking Tibia Nail or Titanium Elastic Nail System may be used.
Tibial Plateau Fractures
When the fracture occurs just below the knee joint, then that condition is known as tibial plateau fracture. Knee resting can be suggested during this fracture type. Tibial plateau fractures have chances of developing knee arthritis. Upon the recovery period, you can consult with a knee chiropractor to help get back mobility in your knee. Learn more about how it works.
Tibial Plafond Fractures
Tibial plafond fractures occur at the bottom of the tibia near the ankle joint. As the ankle cartilage surface is there at the fracture site, these fractures require special consideration. Plus, potential tissue damage is also seen in tibial plafond fractures.
Symptoms of Tibia Fractures
As we’ve discussed above, symptoms of tibia fractures will vary according to the extent of injury and site of injury. Certain below-mentioned symptoms can be seen in the case of tibia fractures:
- Extreme pain in the lower leg
- Difficulty in walking, running and kicking
- Deformity in the lower leg, ankle area, knee, or shin
- Swelling at the injury site
- Bruising on the injured leg
- Inability to bear weight on the side of the injured leg
Causes of Tibia Fracture
Tibia fracture can occur due to high-energy collisions, falls from a great height, sports-related trauma, twisting motion of the bone, and automobile crashes. Besides all this, people with certain diseases are also prone to tibia fractures. For example, osteoarthritis and type-2 diabetes.
Diagnosis of Tibia Fracture
The diagnosis of most fracture types starts with a physical examination. In this, the specialist will examine the site of injury for any deformities, swelling, or bruising and ask the patient about symptoms & the reason behind the trauma. Apart from all this, the doctor might also examine the medical history to identify any risk factors associated with a tibia fracture.
Once the physical examination is done, an X-ray and other imaging tests like CT scan or MRI scan may also be performed to get a clear view of the injury site.
Based on all these examinations, the orthopedist will decide whether to undergo surgery or cast application will do the job.
The Treatment
Non-surgical treatment
Non-surgical treatment of tibia fractures includes application of cast, medication, use of functional braces, use of splints, and physical therapy. Surgery is not preferred in moderate cases as the application of cast and medication can help achieve satisfactory results.
Surgery
Surgery for tibia fracture becomes the only option in severe cases and when non-surgical treatment is not a good option. Surgery can be done using the internal fixation method where orthopedic implants like Locking Plates, Bone Screws, Multifix Tibia Interlocking Nail, and pins are applied internally to hold fractured bone fragments together.
External fixation is also the option for surgery where an external fixator system using bone screws and plates is used. In this method, trauma implants are applied outside the leg for ensuring better stability.
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