Fibula fracture
The fibula is a rather thin bone and therefore relatively fragile. Nevertheless, isolated fibular fractures, in which only the fibula is affected, are rather rare. They occur as a result of a so-called direct impact trauma, e.g. a kick on the lateral leg while playing soccer, or as a fatigue fracture caused by running in the wrong foot position.
Much more common are fractures of the lower leg, in which not only the fibula but also the tibia is broken, and injuries to the upper ankle joint with involvement of the fibula. The symptoms of a fibula fracture usually consist of a swelling above the fracture, as well as pain when touched or moved. Depending on the severity of the fracture, there may also be visible and palpable misalignment of the bone or open fractures.
The diagnosis is usually made by means of an X-ray image. If possible, it is taken from two directions in order to assess the exact location and course of the fracture. In isolated fibula fractures, immobilisation of the leg in a bandage or a lower leg cast for 4-6 weeks is usually sufficient to treat the fracture. More complicated fractures, on the other hand, usually require surgery in which the bone parts are fixed with screws or plates and can heal in a plaster cast during subsequent immobilization. (taken from the front):
- Thigh bone (femur)
- Fibula head (fibula head)
- Femoral Condyles
- Shinbone (Tibia)
