Tibia and Fibula fractures

Question 1

Of the Tibia and fibula what is the most common part to fracture?

Answer 1

The tibial shaft

Question 2

Other than the tibial shaft where else can the tibia and fibula fracture?

Answer 2

tibial plates, tibial and fibular diaphysis and the ankle

Question 3

How do low energy fractures of the tibia occur?

Answer 3

Twisting, inversion, eversion, fall from a standing height

Question 4

How do high energy fractures of the tibia usually occur?

Answer 4

Direct blow to the tibia and fibula, causing fracture comminution and soiling of the wound

Question 5

What are the clinical features of a tibia and fibular fracture?

Answer 5

Pain, swelling, bruising, deformity, skin tenting or piercing

Question 6

What investigations would be done for tibia and fibular fracture?

Answer 6

Plain radiograph, if tibial plateau then a CT scan

Question 7

What are intra-articular fractures of the ankle joint known as?

Answer 7

Pilon fractures

Question 8

What is the management for tibia and fibula fractures?

Answer 8

fracture reduction, back slab (above for plateau and diaphysial fractures or below for others), surgical fixation

Question 9

What are some complications of fibular and tibia fractures?

Answer 9

compartment syndrome, infection, wound dehiscence, malunion, non union, joint stiffness