Fractured tibia

Description shin fracture

Fractured tibia fracture occurs when the tibia. The drumstick consists of two bones, that connect the knee to the ankle: tibia and fibula. Tibial bone is the larger of the two bones and on the inner side rabspolagaetsya tibia. Fibula is much smaller and runs along the outside of the lower leg.

Causes of shin fracture

Fracture of the lower leg caused by trauma tibia. Causes include injury:

• Fall;
• Sharp turns;
• Pounding;
• Clashes;
• Gunshot wounds.

Risk factors for fracture tibia

Factors, increase the risk of fracture tibia include:

• Advanced age;
• Osteoporosis;
• Decreased muscle mass;
• Certain diseases and disorders, that weaken bones, e.g. tumor;
• Classes are certain sports, eg football;
• Violence, car crashes and accidents.

The symptoms of shin fracture

Symptoms include:

• Strong pain;
• Swelling and soreness;
• Bruising in the injured area;
• Reducing the range of motion the knee or ankle;
• Failure to transfer the weight of the broken leg.

Diagnosis shin fracture

The doctor will ask about your symptoms, recent physical activity, About, how the accident occurred, will examine the injured area.

Tests may include:

• Roentgen – this is a test, which uses radiation, to take a picture of structures inside the body, especially bones. It can detect a broken bone;
• CT scan – Special X-rays, provides a more detailed pictures of the fracture.

Treatment of fracture of the tibia

Treatment will depend on the location and severity of the injury and includes:

1. Return to shattered pieces of bone in the normal position. Sometimes the routine may require anesthesia or surgery;
2. Saving a stationary position until the injured bone healing and splices.

Methods, which can be used to save the fixed position of bones:

• Cast (It can be used without or after surgery);
• Metal plate with screws (It requires surgery);
• Screws without additional fasteners (It requires surgery);
• The bar in the middle of the bone (It requires surgery);
• Metal pins, passing through the bone, with a locking device on the outside leg (It requires surgery).

To reduce the pain can be assigned analgesic. As the healing will be performed the additional x-rays, that allows you to monitor the treatment and to avoid displacement of bones.

Exercises at the turn of the tibia

After the doctor's permission, you can start to do the exercises to increase range of motion and strengthen the muscles of his legs broken. This may be assigned to visit a physiotherapist. Prior to the complete healing of the bones and the leg muscles can not engage in sports.

Time shin fracture healing

Tibia fracture healing may take several weeks. Severe or open fractures heal within a few months.

If you are diagnosed with a fracture tibia, Follow your doctor's instructions.

Prevention shin fracture

To prevent fractures tibia:

• Do not expose yourself to the risk of leg injury;
• Eat a diet, rich in calcium and vitamin D;
• Perform exercises to strengthen bones;
• Train your muscles, to prevent falls and protect the lower leg;
• Follow safety at work and the participation in sports competitions.