Tibia and Fibula Fracture

One of the most common fractures worldwide, here are the key points you should know about this type of injury

When you fracture a bone, the body immediately begins a very complex process. Not only is the bone injured but everything around it, since when it fractures or breaks, energy is released (also called implosion) that damages the surrounding tissues. During the fracture, the bone begins to bleed and that bleeding will create a clot that, depending on certain chemical or mechanical stimuli, will become bone. This process is called primary or secondary consolidation, depending on which injury it is and how your orthopedic surgeon will solve that problem.

Treatment varies, which can be done conservatively or surgically. There are three fundamental aspects for your doctor to choose the most convenient one, which are:

• Type of fracture
• General health condition
• Condition of tissues around the fracture

How do the tibia and fibula fracture?

Tibia and fibula fractures are the most common long bone fractures that can occur for various reasons, the most common being: Direct impact caused by a fall, forced rotation, vehicle accidents, practicing impact sports like American football, even soccer, and due to overload and wear from degenerative factors or age.

What is the optimal treatment for a tibia and fibula fracture?

It will depend if the fracture is near the knee, the ankle or right in the center, and the patient's general health condition, since this will determine the approach. It's important to attend as soon as possible to identify if surgical treatment is required, to avoid fibrosis or a major complication and achieve an agile recovery and finally a successful resumption of daily activities.

If the fracture is stable and the bone fragments are aligned, conservative treatment with immobilization is recommended using a splint or cast to immobilize the leg while the fracture heals.

If the fracture is severe, meaning if it is multi-fragmented or displaced and the bones don't align, a reduction will be necessary which consists of manipulating the bone fragments to return them to their original state, afterwards external fixation devices like metal frames will be used to keep the bone in place, these are placed outside the body and attached to the bones.

In other cases, surgical intervention will be necessary to correct the fracture using plates, screws or intramedullary nails to keep the bones in place while they heal.

When we talk about open tibia and fibula fractures we refer to...

Which implies considerable injury to the bone and surrounding tissues therefore urgent attention is needed.

First with antibiotic therapy to treat any pathogens in the wound.
Second, debridement must be performed which is the removal of dead or damaged tissue to improve the healing process.
Subsequently, stabilization should be performed to improve vascular flow, reduce pain to perform wound closure.

Recovery and rehabilitation

Regardless of the treatment method used, rehabilitation is essential for complete recovery. It depends on which week of consolidation it is when gradual movements will be allowed, for example: placing the toe on the floor, little by little stepping partially and later with full weight and moving. Being a long bone, it takes a little longer to heal. Factors like smoking can slow down or harm the consolidation and healing process even causing infections.

Recommended diet and habits

During the bone consolidation process, tissues require proteins and minerals therefore it is essential to have a dietary regimen.

Protein consumption is essential to promote bone consolidation after a fracture. High-quality proteins, present in foods like chicken meat and especially in fish rich in omega 3 are essential. These foods not only provide protein but also calcium and key nutrients to strengthen bones and accelerate their consolidation.

Other foods that provide great nutritional value are flaxseed, walnuts and eggs which are rich in fatty acids and omega 3. Foods like chard, spinach, oranges lemons and soy have high concentrations of vitamins C and D and calcium.

Trust the recovery process. Each tibia and fibula fracture is unique, and the treatment must be 100% personalized according to your specific situation. The tibia and fibula are key bones for mobility, so their proper recovery requires a specialized approach. See an orthopedic trauma surgeon, who will evaluate your case comprehensively and design the most appropriate treatment for your needs, ensuring optimal and safe recovery.

I'm located in Tijuana very close to you, if you have any questions don't hesitate to write and if you're interested in an evaluation schedule to begin. As an orthopedic trauma surgeon, I'll accompany you in this process with manual therapy, exercises and mobilization techniques along with a physical therapist to combine strength, flexibility and mobility exercises.