Fibular Shaft Fracture

Description

This is a break of the fibula — the thin outer bone of the lower leg — in its shaft, often from a direct blow. Because the fibula carries only a small share of the body’s weight, an isolated fibula fracture is generally a minor injury.

How it happens (the mechanism)

A direct blow to the outer lower leg breaks the slender fibula. Since the tibia carries most of the load and the fibula mainly serves as a muscle anchor and an ankle strut, the leg stays stable and the injury is one of the more forgiving lower-leg fractures — the main thing to confirm is that the ankle is uninjured, since some ankle injuries include a fibula fracture.

Symptoms

Pain, swelling, and tenderness over the outer lower leg, usually with the ability to bear some weight.

Doctor examination and imaging

The doctor checks the leg and the ankle; X-rays show the fracture and confirm the ankle is sound.

Treatment

Most are treated simply with a walking boot or a cast for comfort, with weight-bearing as tolerated. Healing usually takes a few weeks.

Recovery and long-term outlook

These heal reliably and well, with full return to activity.

When to call the doctor

Call the office right away if your child’s toes become numb, pale, blue, or cold; pain keeps worsening even after raising the leg and giving medicine; swelling does not improve with elevation; the cast feels too tight, cracked, or wet, or smells bad; or your child develops a fever.

Learn more

OrthoInfo (AAOS) — Growth Plate Fractures: orthoinfo.aaos.org

This information is for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For specific concerns about your child, consult a board-certified, fellowship-trained pediatric orthopaedic surgeon.