Fibular Fracture
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Ankle Injuries with a Fibular Fracture
Ankle injuries can be one of the most difficult injuries to deal with. Since most of our day is spent up and walking around, having an injury to this joint can make many of our simple daily tasks a burden. Ankle injuries are among the most common injuries involving bone and joint. A broken ankle involves fracturing one of the bones that makes up the ankle joint. As clinicians we are often aske by patients, “how to tell if your ankle is broken“. This includes:
- Tibia (the main bone of the lower leg; weight bearing).
- Fibula (the smaller bone on the outside of the lower leg; non-weight bearing).
- Talus (making up the top of the joint).
Fibular Fracture
Fractured Fibula vs Broken Fibula
A broken ankle is considered to be any chip, crack, or break to any of these bones. To learn more about broken ankle symptoms vs an ankle sprain, please go to this Ankle Article. A fractured fibula can be difficult to detect without the use of an X-ray. The Fibula helps in stabilizing and supporting the leg, body, ankle, and leg muscles. Since the Fibula is the outer leg bone and non-weight bearing, many people are still able to walk with this injury. While it will still be difficult moving around, it can be tough to distinguish a fracture from an ankle sprain. Fractures can occur in a variety of ways but typically occur as a result of severe force to the joint, by rolling the ankle on the side, or even extreme flexing or extending of the joint. Fibular fractures can even have many of the same symptoms as a sprained ankle such as:
- Pain.
- Swelling.
- Difficulty walking.
- Bruising.
Fibular Fracture Treatment
The treatment for Fibular fractures can range from surgery to an immobilizer boot designed for a broken foot. The need for surgery will be determined by the severity of the fracture. The location and stability also plays a part in the severity. Whether surgery is required or not the use of a walking boot will be required in order for the Fibular fracture to heal. For most cases it can take from six to eight weeks for the fracture to properly heal.
X-Ray of a Fractured Fibula
Surgery for a Fractured Fibula
All open fractures will require surgery. Common surgeries consist of the following:
Open Reduction and Internal Fixation (ORIF): Consist of moving the broken bone fragments back into the original position, held in place by a metal plate held by screws.
Closed Reduction: The bone is realigned without making an incision at the site of injury.
Intramedullary Nailing: The placement of a rod into the medullary cavity of the bone with nails screwed to the 2 ends of the bone to stabilize the fracture.
External Fixation: Bone fragments are held in alignment and screws or pins support the leg from outside. For more severe and unstable fractures this procedure is the choice of the surgeon.
Physical Therapy for a Fractured Fibula
Physical therapy for a fractured fibula can greatly improve the patient’s ability to return to normal functionality. The physical therapist will go through many strengthening and range of motion exercises. Sometimes stress fractures are immobilized in walking boots to allow them to heal on their own. Your physician will determine the correct course of action based on your diagnosis.
During the physical therapy evaluation, the physical therapist will likely find the following musculoskeletal impairments in the patient:
- Decreased ROM and strength in the ankle or foot.
- Decreased ability to put weight into the affected limb.
- Swelling.
- Atrophy.
- Decreased balance and proprioception.
Related Articles:
4 Cardio Workouts You Can Do with an Injured Leg
Shin Bone: What are Shin Splints?
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