Treatment for Tibial Shaft Fractures at Encino Orthopedics

The tibia, also known as the shinbone, bears an immense amount of weight when supporting the body. When a tibial shaft fracture or break occurs, it is usually due to a high impact accident or injury, such as a car accident or serious athletic collision. It most often occurs when an athlete has planted his or her foot firmly, then endures a direct impact to the front of the tibia, causing the bone to fracture under the stress. Because the tibial shaft is so strong, full tibial shaft fractures are somewhat uncommon. When they do occur, however, they often require urgent surgical treatment.

Symptoms of a tibial shaft fracture include moderate to severe pain that is worsened by motion, swelling and tenderness, bruising, a decreased range of motion in the knee and/or ankle, and an inability to bear weight on the affected shinbone.

Using X-Rays and/or an MRI scan, Dr. Reisch will assess the extent of the tibial shaft break to determine the best treatment solution. Support to the affected shinbone is the first step in treating a tibial shaft fracture so as not to exacerbate the injury. Braces, splints, and crutches, as well as rest keep stress off the fracture tibial shaft.