What is a fibular shaft fracture?
Definition. The fibula is a small bone that runs along the outside of the lower leg. A fibula shaft fracture is a break in the long, narrow part of this bone.
When does a fibula fracture need surgery?
If the syndesmosis is damaged at the ankle, you might need surgery to re-align the bones. Fibular fractures with ankle injuries will usually require surgery.
Can you walk on a fibula fracture?
Because the fibula is not a weight-bearing bone, your doctor might allow you walk as the injury recovers. You also might be advised to use crutches, avoiding weight on the leg, until the bone heals because of the fibula’s role in ankle stability.
How long does swelling last after broken fibula?
The swelling is often worse at the end of the day and elevating it will help. Pain and swelling can be ongoing for 3-6 months.
How long does a fibula fracture take to heal?
It and the tibia, the larger bone, therefore, support all of your weight when standing. Because of this and unlike other types of injuries and conditions, a broken fibula usually requires six weeks to three months before patients are able to return to their normal routine.
How long do you wear a boot for a broken fibula?
Orthopedic boots protect broken bones and other injuries of the lower leg, ankle, or foot. They prevent more damage and help the area heal. Your doctor may have you use a boot for 1 to 6 weeks.
Do you need a cast for a fibula fracture?
The general process for healing a fibula fracture is immobilization with a splint or cast for several weeks, after which you might get a walking boot to help you walk. Recovery time depends on factors such as: the severity of the injury and the presence of any other injury at the same time.
What are stress fractures of the fibular shaft?
Fibular fractures may also occur as the result of repetitive loading and in this case they are referred to as stress fractures. In older adults, the key risk factor for fractures of the fibular or tibial shaft appears to be bone mass.
What are the signs and symptoms of fibular shaft fractures?
Fibular shaft fractures are classified descriptively according to fracture pattern. Isolated fibular shaft fracture often presents after the description of a direct blow to the lateral leg and will usually report pain and swelling. The patient may still be able to bear weight.
What is a 15 cm fibula shaft fracture?
This, by definition, cannot be an isolated fibula shaft fracture due to ligamentous involvement and will require different treatment. Likewise, a fracture of the fibula within 15 cm of the ankle joint is likely to have either bony involvement of the tibia, ligamentous injury, or both.
What is the incidence of isolated fibula shaft fractures?
Although tibia and fibula shaft fractures are amongst the most common long bone fractures, there is little literature citing the incidence of isolated fibula shaft fractures.