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Shinbone Fracture

(Broken Shin; Lower Leg Break; Tibia Fracture)

Definition

A shinbone fracture is a break in the tibia (shinbone). The lower leg has two bones that connect the knee to the ankle: the tibia and the fibula. The tibia is the larger of the two bones and runs on the inside of the lower leg. The fibula is much smaller and runs along the outside of the lower leg.
Fractured Leg
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Causes

A shinbone fracture is caused by trauma to the shinbone. Trauma includes:
  • Falls
  • Twists
  • Blows
  • Collisions
  • Gunshot wounds

Risk Factors

A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease, condition, or injury.
  • Advancing age
  • Osteoporosis
  • Decreased muscle mass
  • Certain diseases and conditions that weaken bones, such as tumors
  • Participation in certain contact sports, such as football or soccer
  • Violence, such as car or car-pedestrian accidents

Symptoms

Symptoms include:
  • Severe pain
  • Swelling and tenderness
  • Bruising in the injured area
  • Decreased range of motion of the knee or ankle
  • Usually an inability to bear weight on the fractured leg

Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about your symptoms, physical activity, and how the injury occurred. The doctor will examine the injured area.
Tests may include:
  • X-rays—a test that uses radiation to take a picture of structures inside the body, especially bones, to look for a break in the bone
  • CT scan—a special x-ray that allows more detailed imaging

Treatment

Treatment will depend on the severity of the injury. Treatment involves:
  • Putting the pieces of the bone back in place, which may require anesthesia and/or surgery
  • Keeping the pieces together while the bone heals itself
Devices that may be used to hold the bone in place while it heals include:
  • A cast (may be used with or without surgery)
  • A metal plate with screws (requires surgery)
  • Screws alone (requires surgery)
  • A rod down the middle of the bone (requires surgery)
  • Metal pins across the bone with a frame holding them outside the bone (requires surgery)
External Fixation of Tibia
Fixation Tibia Fracture
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The doctor may prescribe pain medication depending on the level of pain. Your doctor will order more x-rays while the bone heals to ensure that the bones have not shifted position.

Exercises

When your doctor decides you are ready, start range-of-motion and strengthening exercises. You may be referred to a physical therapist to assist you with these exercises. Do not return to sports until your leg is fully healed and leg muscle strength is back to normal.

Healing Time

A shinbone fracture can take many weeks to heal, but more severe or open fractures may take several months.
If you are diagnosed with a shinbone fracture, follow your doctor's instructions.

Prevention

To help prevent shinbone fractures:
  • Do not put yourself at risk for trauma to the bone.
  • Eat a diet rich in calcium and vitamin D.
  • Do weight-bearing exercises to build strong bones.
  • Build strong muscles to prevent falls and to stay active and agile.
  • Wear proper padding and safety equipment when participating in sports or activities.

RESOURCES

American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons http://www.aaos.org

American Physical Therapy Association http://www.orthopt.org

CANADIAN RESOURCES

Canadian Orthopaedic Association http://www.coa-aco.org

Canadian Orthopaedic Foundation http://www.canorth.org

References

Broken leg. Mayo Clinic website. Available at: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/broken-leg/DS00978. Updated July 2009. Accessed July 9, 2009.

Giannoudis PV, Papakostidis C, et al. A review of the management of open fractures of the tibia and femur. J Bone & Joint Surg (British Vol). 2006;88:281-289.

Shinbone fractures. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons website. Available at: http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00522. Updated March 2001. Accessed July 9, 2009.

Revision Information

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.

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