Overview

Isolated fibula fracture

Isolated tibia fracture

• Open or closed

• Displaced or nondisplaced

• Proximal or shaft

Combined tibia and fibula fracture

Tibial plateau fracture

See “Fracture signs.”

High risk of open fracture (and consequently infection) given minimal soft tissue surrounding the tibia and fibula

Definition: a nondisplaced fracture of the distal tibial shaft, usually following acute trauma (e.g., falling, tripping), causing rotation of the body around a fixed foot

Epidemiology: commonly seen in children between nine months and three years of age [2]

Etiology: trauma (e.g., low energy fall from a chair or table, tripping while running)

Clinical features

• Irritability

• Abnormal gait (limping or inability to bear weight)

• Localized tenderness over the distal tibial shaft

Diagnostics

• Often goes undetected due to subtle clinical and radiographic findings

• Imaging

  • AP, lateral, and oblique x-ray

  • MRI and/or CT: indicated in cases of prolonged symptoms and suspicion of infection (e.g., osteomyelitis)

Treatment: immobilization with a long cast, controlled ankle movement walker boot, short cast, or splint [3]