A truly isolated fracture of the fibula, one that has no other associated ligamentous or other bony injuries, are quite rare. They are typically the result of a direct injury to the leg, usually a fall or direct blow or blunt trauma like a sports injury or motor vehicle accident.
What causes an isolated fibula fracture?
It is commonly associated with a rolled ankle but can also be due to an awkward landing, a fall, or a direct blow to the outer lower leg or ankle. Fibula fractures are common in sports, especially those that involve running, jumping, or quick changes of direction such as football, basketball, and soccer.
How long does a fractured fibula 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.
Can a fibula fracture heal without surgery?
8 If possible, your healthcare provider can realign your broken bones without open surgery as well. While isolated fibula fractures usually heal quickly, some may involve more complex injuries that require further treatment.
What is isolated fracture?
Isolated fractures of the shaft of the ulna, without other fractures, often result when the forearm is raised to fend off a blow. Such fractures are fairly rare, but can result in significant disability. Most people are treated in outpatients with plaster casts or arm braces. Some are treated surgically.
Does a fractured fibula need a cast?
If your child has a broken tibia or broken tibia-fibula, they will need to wear a cast or boot for six to 12 weeks. During this time, they will probably have a long leg cast for six weeks followed by a short leg cast and then an Aircast® boot.
What is the most common injury associated with isolated ulnar fracture?
Isolated fractures of the ulnar shaft are most commonly a result of either a direct blow to the forearm or a hyper-pronation or hyper-supination loading injury that occurs during a fall.
Which fracture type is an isolated fracture of the ulnar shaft?
Isolated fractures of the ulnar shaft are com- mon forearm injuries. They most often result from a direct trauma to the ulna as the arm is raised overhead to protect from a blow; as such, they are commonly known as nightstick fractures.
Does a fibula fracture need a cast?
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. your age.
How easy is it to break your fibula?
It supports just about 15% of your body weight but even so, if you come down on your fibula wrong, it’s an easy bone to snap. The fibula can fracture in numerous places, and in numerous ways, including: Stress fractures occur when repeated impact causes the bone to wear down and break. This is an overuse injury.
What should you do to heal a fibula fracture?
Rest the fractured bone. Try to put minimal weight on the injured fibula. Maintain healthy diet, as eating clean, healthy food will fulfil your needs of vitamins and minerals that are required for fracture bone healing. Make sure you are getting sufficient calories and protein, which is essential for bone health.
How do you repair a broken fibula?
Surgery on the Fibula. The most common way to repair a fractured fibula bone is with a metal plate and screws. Typically the plate is applied to the outside of the bone, with at least three screws above the location of the fracture, and at least three screws below.
What is the average healing time for a fibula fracture?
With proper treatment, fibula fractures heal within four to six weeks, according to Baylor Scott & White Health.
What are the symptoms of a broken fibula?
Pain, swelling, and tenderness are some of the most common signs and symptoms of a fractured fibula. Other signs and symptoms include: Inability to bear weight on the injured leg. Bleeding and bruising in the leg. Visible deformity. Numbness and coldness in the foot. Tender to the touch.
