Where is tibia and fibula

What is a fractured tibia-fibula? What are the tibia and fibula? What are the different types of tibia-fibula fractures? This kind of fracture occurs at the top of the tibia, often when too much pressure is applied to the side of the knee, creating a bending force. For example, when a young child gets their leg trapped underneath their body, while going down a slide or sledding. Toddler fractures typically occur in children under the age of 4. This type of fracture often happens because the leg twists while the child is stumbling or falling.

Toddler fractures occur near the middle of the tibia and can be difficult to see on an x-ray. Tibial tubercle fractures typically occur during adolescence. The tibial tubercle is a bony bump on the upper part of the shin where the quadricep muscle is attached to the bone by the patellar tendon.

A tibial tubercle fracture is a break or crack at this location. Until the bone becomes stronger, a strong tug by the tendon can cause this part of the bone to break. This fracture typically occurs when trying to jump to dunk a basketball ball or do a flip.

What are the symptoms of a broken tibia-fibula? Generally, a tibia-fibula fracture is associated with: pain or swelling in the lower leg inability to stand or walk — this is less likely if only the fibula is broken limited range of motion in the knee or ankle area bruising or discoloration of the skin around the break What causes a broken tibia-fibula? Other imaging tests that can reveal damage to muscles, ligaments, or blood vessels around the bone include: magnetic resonance imaging MRI computed tomography scan CT, CAT scan bone scan How is a broken tibia-fibula treated?

Reduction A reduction is a non-operative procedure that is usually performed in the emergency department. What kind of cast is used for a broken tibia or tibia-fibula? What kind of cast is used for a broken fibula? When is surgery necessary for a broken tibia-fibula? Your child may need surgery if they have a more complicated or severe fracture. How long does it take for a broken tibia-fibula to recover?

Patient Resources Our experts in Orthopedic Urgent Care have created a series of helpful guides describing the different types of leg fractures, treatments, and how to care for them. Key Terms tibia : The inner and usually the larger of the two bones of the lower leg. The Tibia The leg : Tibia and fibula in anatomical position with parts labeled.

Proximally, there are five key features of the tibia: It widens and forms two condyles —the lateral and medial—that articulate with the condyles of the femur. Between the two condyles is the intercondylar fossa, a small grove, into which two intercondylar tubercles sit.

Numerous internal ligaments of the knee joint attach to these tubercles and strengthen it significantly. On the anterior surface of the proximal region and inferiorly to the condyles is the tibial tuberosity to which the patella ligament attaches. The shaft of the tibia is triangular and the soleus muscle, which gives the calf its characteristic shape, originates on the posterior surface.

Distally, the tibia also widens to aid with weight bearing and it displays two key features. The medial malleolus is a bony projection that articulates with the tarsal bones to form the ankle joint. Laterally, there is the fibular notch that articulates with the fibula.

It is the main weight-bearing bone of the two. The fibula supports the tibia and helps stabilize the ankle and lower leg muscles.

Tibia and fibula fractures are characterized as either low-energy or high-energy. High-energy fractures, such as those caused by serious car accidents or major falls, are more common in older children.

Fractures of the tibia and fibula are typically diagnosed through physical examination and X-rays of the lower extremities. There are several ways to classify tibia and fibula fractures. Below are some of the most common tibia and fibula fractures that occur in children. Sometimes they may also involve the fracture of the growth plate physis located at each end of the tibia.

These fractures occur in the knee end of the tibia and are also called tibial plateau fractures. Depending on the exact location, a proximal tibial fracture may affect the stability of the knee as well as the growth plate. Common proximal tibial fractures include:. This type of fracture takes place in the middle, or shaft diaphysis , of the tibia.

There are three types of tibial shaft fractures:. These fractures occur at the ankle end of the tibia. They are also called tibial plafond fractures.