Tibia Shaft Fracture | San Diego Orthopedic Trauma Specialist

Tibia Shaft Fracture

Medical term: Tibial Shaft Fracture

Overview

The tibia, or shinbone, is the most commonly fractured long bone in the body. Tibial shaft fractures can result from motor vehicle accidents, sports injuries, falls, or direct blows to the leg. Because the tibia lies just beneath the skin along the front of the leg, these fractures carry a higher risk of open injury, where the bone breaks through the skin, and are also susceptible to compartment syndrome, a condition that requires emergency surgical treatment.

Treatment depends on the fracture pattern, degree of displacement, and whether the fracture is open or closed. Many tibial shaft fractures are treated with intramedullary nailing, which provides stable fixation and allows early mobility. Our San Diego orthopedic trauma surgeons evaluate each injury carefully and discuss all available treatment options, from casting and bracing for stable fractures to surgical fixation for displaced or complex injuries.

Frequently Asked Questions

How are tibia shaft fractures typically treated?

Intramedullary nailing is the most common surgical treatment for displaced tibial shaft fractures in adults. Some stable, non-displaced fractures may be treated with a cast or functional brace.

What is compartment syndrome and why is it a concern with tibia fractures?

Compartment syndrome occurs when pressure builds within the muscle compartments of the lower leg, cutting off blood flow. It is a surgical emergency that requires immediate fasciotomy and is more common with tibia fractures than most other fractures.