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Fractures of the tibia are injuries that result in a violation of the integrity of the bone structure. This element is part of the lower leg, it often happens that its fracture is accompanied by an injury to the tibia, located in close proximity to it. Such injuries are common and if we consider them in the total mass of fractures, then the injury to the lower leg accounts for up to 20% of all cases.
As the causes leading to injury, doctors most often name various kinds of blows. They may be the result of a fall, an accident, non-compliance with safety regulations at the workplace, they may be due to adverse weather conditions, the result of criminal incidents, etc.
Another factor that can become an indirect cause of a fracture is age. The older the person, the more porous the structure of his bones, which means that they become more susceptible to such injuries.
Types of fractures of the tibia
There are several types of fractures of this element, which are determined by the following parameters:
With displacement of fragments and without displacement.
With the presence of fragments and without them.
Depending on the direction of the fracture: transverse, oblique, spiral, fragmentary.
Depending on the nature of the blow that led to the injury: it can be direct or indirect. The first is considered the most “light”, since the bone most often remains intact, no fragments are formed, the prognosis for recovery is favorable. As a result of an indirect blow, on the contrary, displacement often occurs, and sometimes even fragmentation of the bone with damage to soft tissues, tendons, nerves and blood vessels. Treatment is complex and lengthy, although most often the prognosis is also favorable.
Symptoms of fractures of the tibia
Symptoms that are characteristic of the injury of this particular element:
Pain, localized mainly in the area of injury, with possible irradiation to the knee or ankle joint.
Swelling at the site of injury. More often, the swelling resembles the shape of a roller. Sometimes swelling can spread throughout the lower leg and go to the foot.
The presence of a hematoma, which may not appear immediately, but after a few hours.
If the fragments have been displaced inside, then the limb will be deformed, this is especially noticeable with a pronounced separation of the fragments.
Shortening of the limb, as a result of “pulling” the muscles to the site of injury.
Deviation of the leg from the axis.
Restriction of movement, inability to step on the injured leg. But if only the fibula was broken, then the person can even lean slightly on the limb.
Feeling of numbness of the limb, which occurs when the nerves are compressed.
First aid for fractures of the tibia
The first aid to the victim of an injury is to anesthetize. To do this, a person must be given any painkiller, after which the leg should be immobilized. As a means for primary immobilization (immobilization), any wooden beams, slats, sticks can be used. The main thing is that they have the necessary length and strength.
When a suitable material is found, it is necessary to adjust it to the size of the foot so that the tire starts from the middle of the thigh and ends at the heel. It is necessary to fix the leg in the knee and ankle joint; bandages or other improvised means are used for winding. After the leg is securely fixed, you should go with the victim to the doctor, for the provision of qualified medical care.
Diagnosis of fractures of the tibia
To clarify the diagnosis, the doctor will conduct a survey regarding how, when and in what way the injury was received. This will make it possible to assess the force of impact, its nature and direction. Such a survey will allow you to make a preliminary diagnosis.
To clarify the nature and degree of complexity of the fracture, it will be necessary to take x-rays in two projections. After receiving a complete picture, you can proceed to the treatment of the fracture.
Treatment of a fracture of the tibia
Treatment will depend on the nature of the fracture. If no displacement of fragments is observed, then the process will not be too complicated. The doctor will limit himself to applying a plaster cast, which will start from the tips of the toes and end near the knee joint. Sometimes, as needed, the cast can be extended.
If there is a displacement of both bones of the lower leg, then their reposition will be required. In the most difficult cases, the doctor can introduce pins inside the bone, while fixing the fragments in the correct position using special metal structures.
The healing time of the fibula depends on a number of factors: on the nature of the injury, on qualified and timely first aid, on the age of the victim, on compliance with medical recommendations regarding treatment, etc. Most often, the process of bone fusion takes from 2 to 3 months. Bone callus appears after 6 weeks. When a fracture with a displacement occurs and both knee bones are damaged, then the recovery process can be delayed and average up to six months or even more.
Rehabilitation after fractures of the tibia
Many patients, after removing the plaster, are not serious about the rehabilitation process, ignoring it. This is not worth doing, as this is an important stage of recovery, without which a number of complications can occur.
In order for the leg to begin to fully function faster, it is necessary to perform a set of exercises recommended by the doctor. As a rule, these are adapted movements that will improve joint mobility, strengthen leg muscles and give them tone.
It will be useful to visit a massage parlor. If this is not possible, then rubbing and kneading must be done at home. For this, special ointments can be used. Compresses, baths with salt, wax wraps and other procedures are also useful. But before proceeding with the implementation, you should definitely visit a doctor and clarify the possibility of their implementation.