Tibia Essay

492 Words2 Pages
Distal tibial and distal fibular fractures from car accidents and other high impact injuries are extremely unfortunate. This is due to the low soft tissue coverage and the low blood supply to the region. Typical surgical procedure is to make two incisions on the leg, one to reach the fibula and one to reach the tibia. The normal 2 incision method isn’t an adequate surgery because it leads to necrosis of tissue. The purpose of this case series is to be able to stabilize the tibia and fibula by making only one incision to limit the possibility of soft tissue damage. Over six years, from 2004-2010, 49 patients with distal tibia and distal fibula fractions were surgically treated using one incision anterolaterally, then both the tibia and fibula are stabilized. 29 men and 20 females were the participants in this survey. After surgery the leg was protected for 3-6 weeks by a cast and in some cases all weight-baring activities are extremely discouraged. However all patients are to follow up with doctors until full weight baring activities can be completed. Along with this follow up, other appointments at 4 weeks, 3 and 6 months, and 1 year…show more content…
In all of the patients the fibula was stabilized first, then stabilizing the tibia was second and in a few cases a plate was applied on the tibia and fibula to aid in stabilization. Of the 49 patients only 2 had tissue in the region die. These patients were treated and healed within 1 months time. Four of the patients later stated they had loss of feeling in some areas on their feet but it didn’t affect the use of their extremities. The average time for healing after surgery was about 10-11 weeks, at the last outpatient visit all patients were able to walk without any strain and alone, technically speaking the fractures were completely
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