The most common type of broken leg is a tibia fracture. The tibia is the long bone found in the lower leg that is thick and load bearing. The fibula is the other long bone found in the lower leg, but it is much thinner than the tibia. When the tibia is broken, the fibula is usually fractured as well.
A tibia fracture can take a long time to heal and may require hospitalization. When the tibia is broken, the two broken ends often won’t unite with normal healing, even when the appropriate treatments are administered. Pins are often inserted into the bones to keep them in place, as the tibia has to heal in good position for it to bear weight like it should. These pins, along with traction equipment that is frequently needed, may lead to prolonged bed confinement. As you can imagine, the entire process of healing is both painful and difficult.
There are many complications associated with a tibia fracture, which include:
- Infection
- Compartment syndrome
- Gangrene
- Amputation
- Peroneal nerve injury
- Inability to lift the toes while walking
- Death
