Do tibia fractures need surgery?
Do tibia fractures need surgery?
Surgery may be needed to fix a broken tibia. Open fractures need to be cleaned and treated right away, since they have a risk of infection. There are different surgical methods that may be used depending on where the tibia is broken, how severe the break is, and if other parts of the leg were also damaged.
How long does it take to recover from tibial surgery?
When surgery is required these cases take around 4 months to heal. After this healing period, Physical Therapy most often continues until at 6 months, a patient is typically able to return to a normal life, albeit with certain limitations.
How long is tibia fracture surgery?
Surgery usually takes 1 to 2 hours. Most patients are admitted overnight after tibial nailing procedures to watch for any breathing problems or development of compartment syndrome.
What is a common complication of a tibial shaft fracture?
The most common complications in tibial shaft fracture are: Nonunion. Osteomyelitis. Malalignment with malunion.
How long after tibia surgery can I walk?
If you had surgery for your tibial plateau fracture, you can put a little bit of weight on the leg after 6 weeks with the goal of walking normally by the 10th week. If you did not have surgery for your tibial plateau fracture, you can start walking safely with a knee brace in 4-6 weeks.
How long does pain last after tibia surgery?
You can expect some pain and swelling around the cut (incision) the doctor made. This should get better within a few days after your surgery. But it is normal to have some pain for 2 to 3 weeks after surgery and mild pain for up to 6 weeks after surgery.
Is a broken tibia serious?
A broken tibia-fibula is a fracture in the lower leg that happens when a fall or blow places more pressure on the bones than they can withstand. A tibia-fibula fracture is a serious injury that requires prompt immediate medical attention. With timely and proper treatment, a broken tibia-fibula can heal completely.
Can you walk on a fractured tibia?
Can you still walk with a fractured tibia? In most cases, the answer is no. Walking after a tibia fracture can make your injury worse and may cause further damage to the surrounding muscles, ligaments and skin. Walking on a fractured tibia is also likely to be extremely painful.
What happens if a fracture doesn’t heal?
When a bone fracture is untreated, it can result in either a nonunion or a delayed union. In the former case, the bone doesn’t heal at all, which means that it will remain broken. As a result, swelling, tenderness, and pain will continue to worsen over time.
Do you get a cast after tibia surgery?
Initially, a splint may be provided to offer some support and comfort for your leg. Most tibia fractures involve significant swelling, and the adjustable straps allow you to loosen or tighten the splint so swelling can occur safely. Once the swelling has decreased, casting and bracing may be needed.
When do you start weight bearing after tibial fracture?
Patients with tibial plateau fractures will be instructed to touch down (toe touch or foot flat) weight bear (approximately 10% of body weight) for at least 6 weeks. After the 6 week post op visit, patients may begin weight bearing as tolerated until full weight bearing is achieved.
What is the fastest way to heal a broken tibia?
The three key steps to faster bone healing are:
- Alignment of the broken bone fragments.
- Stability and support at the fracture site through immobilization.
- Healthy lifestyle choices that promote healing.