The fibula, a tiny bone in the lower leg, supports the tibia. The top part of the fibula is attached to the tibia head, while the lower section is attached to the ankle's distal talofibular joint. It plays a minor part in weight-bearing.
Types of fractures in the fibula
Fibula fractures can occur below the ankle joint, at the ankle, in the middle shaft, or in the upper part of the fibula. Stress fractures, avulsion fractures, fibular head fractures, and shaft fractures are all possibilities.
Causes and symptoms of a broken fibula
Slip and falls, car accidents, pedestrian accidents, bicycle accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, and gunshots and stress can all result in fibula fractures. Walking and weight-bearing would be difficult. Swelling, bruising, or bleeding at the fracture site, increased pain when moving, numbness in the soles of the feet, and deformity signs in the case of a full fracture are some of the symptoms caused by a broken fibula.
Treatments and complications of a broken fibula
In mild fractures, the fractured fibula can be snapped into place and be put in a cast or splint to support the recovery. An open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) would be necessary to treat multi-level fractures. Internal fixation and external fixations would be needed to set right the more complicated fractures. In case of open wounds, the surgery should be done as early as possible to prevent infection.
Complications can occur based on the severity of the injury and the age of the person. Nerve and blood vessel damage caused by an injury or surgery, misaligned fibula, skin irritation from the metal implants, excessive bleeding, infections in the area of injury, degenerative arthritis or trauma-induced arthritis, permanent ankle disability, long-term discomfort, bone shortening in children, increased ankle pain and inflammation at the ankle are some of the possible complications.
Fractured fibula lawsuits
If your fibula fracture is the result of someone else’s negligence, you can proceed with a lawsuit. Having ample evidence for the defendant’s negligence, the photos of the injuries and accident scene, witness statements, and efficient attorney’s assistance would help you bag your claim without much difficulty. The people who drove under the influence of alcohol or drug and caused the accident or the premises owner who was negligent in keeping the premises safe can be held responsible for your damages. You can claim for the physical pain, emotional distress, medical bills, lost wages, and future loss of income can be claimed.
