Fracture fibula8/29/2023 ![]() ![]() We have both imaging and physical therapy available on-site.Ankle views may show a fracture of the medial malleolus or widening of the medial ankle joint space due to deltoid ligament injury, as well as widening of the distal tibiofibular syndesmosis. Our trauma and fracture experts will be able to reduce and set your fracture and get you started on the road to recovery. If you have experienced a fracture of the femur, tibia or fibula, request an appointment with University Orthopaedic Associates right away. Once the cast is removed, physical therapy is usually needed to restore strength in the leg muscles and range of motion of the joints in the leg. If the bone is not immobilized, it may heal incorrectly.Ī cast or boot, along with crutches or a cane, will be necessary for about six to eight weeks. Keeping the bone immobile allows the two ends to knit back together correctly. Most patients need some form of immobilization, such as a cast, on their broken leg. External fixation is similar, but the hardware is attached to a metal frame on the outside of the skin. Internal fixation uses hardware such as plates, screws or pins to hold the broken ends of the bone together. Surgery takes the form of either internal or external fixation. ![]() Setting the bone may simply require immobilization with a cast, but many times a fracture requires surgery. The fractured bone must be lined up (reduced) and set in place, then immobilized so that it can heal properly. Initial treatment is usually done in an emergency room or trauma center. Treatment of a broken leg will vary depending upon what bone or bones are fractured, the severity of the fracture or fractures and their location. The result is a more complete look at a bone, including a cross-section. CT scans are a series of X-rays taken in rapid succession from multiple angles. If X-rays prove inconclusive, the doctor may then order a computed tomography (CT) scan. Fractures are usually clearly apparent when examining an X-ray. The calcium in bones absorbs X-rays very well, making bones very clear on X-rays. The doctor may also gently manipulate the leg or ask the patient to stand or walk to see if he or she has signs of pain or other symptoms.Īn X-ray is the most helpful imaging study to diagnose fractures. In the medical history, doctors will want to hear about any recent injuries that might have caused a fracture, as well as any evidence of osteoporosis.ĭuring a physical exam, the doctor may be able to diagnose a fracture to the femur, tibia or fibula by sight alone, if there is an obvious deformity. Diagnosisĭiagnosing a fracture to one of the leg bones usually begins with a physical examination and medical history of the patient. People at risk for osteoporosis should have a DXA scan to check their bone density. People with osteoporosis have weaker-than-normal bones, so that even a lower-energy trauma can cause a fracture. Osteoporosis is largely an age-related condition that causes gradual bone density loss. Osteoporosis, although not a cause of fractures, greatly increases the risk of occurrence, even femur fractures. Therefore the femur usually fractures only in high-energy trauma events such as car accidents, as opposed to more low-energy events such as falls from standing height, unless there is some mitigating circumstance. The femur, in addition to being the longest bone in the body, is also the strongest by most measurements. In general, tibia and fibula fractures are more common than femur fractures. There are many potential causes of broken bones in the leg. Some symptoms of a broken leg bone may vary depending on the type, location and severity of the fracture, but pain-which can be severe-and difficulty or inability to put weight on the injured leg are common symptoms present in almost all leg fractures. If the fracture occurs in the upper third of the femur or the femoral head (a protruding ball that inserts into the socket of the hip), the injury is technically considered a hip fracture. Note that not all femur fractures are the same. People who suspect they have fractured their femur, tibia or fibula should seek medical attention immediately. They are usually extremely painful, and weight bearing may be difficult or impossible. ![]() The fibula and tibia are the two bones of the lower leg, below the kneecap.įractures to any bone in the leg are medical emergencies. The femur-the longest and hardest bone of the body-is also known as the thigh bone. A broken leg is a fracture of one or more bones of the leg: the femur, the fibula or the tibia. ![]()
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