Tibia or Fibula Fractures (Tib/Fib) After a Slip and Fall

If You Suffered a Lower Leg or Tib/Fib Fracture After a Fall, Call our Slip and Fall Lawyers in Indiana for Help

The tibial or fibula fracture is perhaps the most common leg fracture after a slip and fall. Often called “ankle” fractures (mistakenly), this fracture can affect mobility for the injured person for years or permanently. Tibial or fibula fractures (often called “tib/fib” by medical professionals) can have permanent consequences of a devastating nature for the injured person.

Fractures are one of the most common injuries in slip and fall accidents, leaving victims with pain, impaired mobility or function, and in some cases a prolonged recovery which can lead to a loss of income as well as costly medical bills. This is especially true for victims who suffer from tibia and fibula fractures.

Tib/fib fractures after a slip and fall accident can be quite painful and disabling, leaving victims unable to walk and in some cases, surgery is required. Most slip and fall accidents are entirely preventable, meaning that the victim could have been unharmed had the hazard that caused the accident been appropriately dealt with. Victims may be impacted financially from the accident as well as physically with significant pain. This is why you should call an experienced slip and fall lawyer in Indiana if you have been injured in an accident to learn what compensation you may be eligible for.

How Do Tibia and Fibula Fractures Occur Due to Slip and Fall Accidents?

Tibia and fibula fractures are unfortunately a common injury from slip and fall accidents. These fractures happen when a person slips on a hazard or because of a hazard that is not taken care of. Examples of hazards causing slip and fall accidents include the following:

• Poorly lit areas
• Untreated ice and snow
• Loose floorboards
• Unlevel flooring
• Wet or dry spill that is not cleaned up
• Freshly mopped or waxed floor with no caution sign
• Gravel
• Debris/Garbage on the floor
• Stairs that are not up to code, and
• Other causes of slip and fall accidents in Indiana.

Learn more about our experienced slip and fall lawyers in Indiana and how we can help you by scheduling a FREE consultation by contacting us today.

What are the Symptoms of a Tibia or Fibula Fracture?

There are certain symptoms which can indicate a person has suffered a tibia or fibula fracture. These symptoms include the following:

• Inability to stand in some cases
• Inability to bear weight
• Numbness
• Tingling
• Inability to walk or instability when walking
• Pain in the lower leg
• Impaired range of motion
• Bruising or discoloration of the skin near the area where the break has occurred
• Obvious deformities (i.e. abnormal bend, shortening of the affected leg)
• Bone protruding through the skin if the person has an open fracture

How Are Tibia and Fibula Fractures Diagnosed and What is the Treatment?

Tibia and fibula fractures are diagnosed with physical exam and the use of x-rays.

The treatment for tibia and fibula fractures largely depends on the type of tibia/fibula fracture, and the severity of the fracture. Common treatments for these fractures due to a slip and fall accident includes the following:

• Open reduction - This is typically performed on open fractures. Open fractures refer to a fracture in which the bone punctured the skin. Open reduction involves exposing the bone to surgically put in back into the correct placement.
• Closed reduction and immobilization - This type of treatment is non-surgical and involves setting the bone in place, with a cast being placed once the bone is in the correct place.
• Internal fixation - This is a surgical method which involves the use of plates, rods, screws and nails under the skin.
• Percutaneous pinning - This involves inserting wires to hold the fractured pieces in the correct place until they are healed. The wires are then removed once healing has occurred.
• External fixation - This involves the use of rods, clamps and pins to stabilize the fracture. The rods, clamps, and pins remain on the outside of the skin.

How Bad Is a Broken Fibula?

A broken fibula is a serious injury that can have a drastic impact on one's life and mobility. In most cases, it causes significant pain, swelling, stiffness, tenderness in the lower leg and ankle area, as well as limited range of motion. Depending on the severity of the fracture, surgery may be necessary to reposition the broken bones. In some cases, a person may experience permanent disability as a result of the injury.

Can a Tibia Fracture Be Worse Than a Fibula Injury?

A tibia fracture may be worse than a fracture of the fibula because of where the tibia is located in comparison to the fibula. The fibula is the smaller of the two bones and is not weight-bearing. The tibia, however, is larger and carries more weight. Between the tibia and fibula, the tibia plays a bigger role in supporting the body. This means that any disruption to its structure can have more serious implications. Additionally, a tibia fracture can cause damage to surrounding ligaments and tendons, as well as structures in the knee joint. As such, it is important to seek medical attention immediately if you suspect that you may have suffered a tibia fracture after a slip and fall accident.

What Is the Recovery Time for Broken Tibia and Fibula?

The recovery time from a tibia or fibula fracture can vary depending on the severity of the fracture. Generally, it may take anywhere from 6 weeks to several months for a full recovery. Patients typically need to keep weight off the injured leg during the healing process, which can be difficult for individuals who are physically active or work at jobs that require them to be on their feet. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to properly align the bones and reduce healing time. Physical therapy is usually recommended after a tibia or fibula fracture in order to restore range of motion and strength in the affected leg. Factors that may shorten or extend recovery include age, overall health, and the degree of displacement of the bone fragments. Furthermore, following doctor’s orders regarding physical therapy and medications can also help expedite recovery and prevent complications.