A fracture is a term used to describe a break in a bone. A fracture can range from a hairline crack through to complete displacement of the bone. A fracture can also be comminuted meaning there are multiple pieces to it.
What are femur fractures?
The femur (thighbone) extends between the hip and the knee. Being the longest bone in the body and supporting the weight of the body, the femur is a thick bone surrounded by strong muscles. A break to the femur typically requires significant force.
How are tibial fractures treated?
Initial tibia fractures will generally require emergency treatment due to pain and inability to weight bear.
Your surgeon will determine if your tibial fracture requires surgery. Tibial fractures that do not require surgery will be immobilised with a cast or brace. You will not be able to weight bear for a period of several weeks while your bone heals. The cast may be need to be changed once the swelling subsides.
Where your surgeon determines surgery is required, in most cases a rod is placed down the middle of the bone, but sometimes a plate and screws can be used. Occasionally, external fixation may be required on the outside of the leg to hold the bone together. The leg will often not b immobilised with a cast after surgery, but you will generally not be able to weight bear for several weeks. Physiotherapy may be prescribed to help you regain strength in the leg as well as full mobility of the hip, knee and ankle joints.
