The shinbone, the strong bone below the knee, can be particularly vulnerable to fracture, especially in cases where there is strong impact damage. Although the shinbone or tibia is a large, strong bone, its position makes it particularly vulnerable to fracture. Shinbone fractures are among the most common injuries seen in people, and can happen at any time to people of any age. Since the shinbone spans the entire area of the leg from knee to ankle, any impact anywhere in this region can cause a fracture of the shinbone. As the shinbone is one of the major weight bearing bones of the body, a fracture can result in considerable loss of stability and strength, along with severe pain and inflammation. Causes:
All over the world, most shinbone fractures occur as a result of accidents. Any kind of car or motorcycle accident can traumatize the leg and cause a shinbone fracture. Drivers, passengers and pedestrians who are involved in an automobile accident are all prone to this kind of injury. Shinbone fracture is also commonly found in sportsmen who indulge in the kinds of sports that involve contact and heavy use of the legs. Apart from these regular causes, falls from high places can also result in shinbone fracture, as can activities like snowboarding, skiing and skating.
Symptoms:
There are a variety of different symptoms associated with the fracture of the tibia or shinbone. Some of the most common are –
- Protrusion of a broken piece of the bone from under the skin which gives rise to a poking sensation. This is usually accompanied by visible deformity of the size and shape of the leg.
- Intense pain which does not let up.
- Loss of any feeling of sensation in the affected foot.
- Loss of balance, stability and strength which might cause the leg to buckle when weight is put on it.
- Difficulty in activities like standing up and walking.
Treatment:
As with most cases of orthopedic treatment, the treatment of shinbone fractures happens according to the severity of the fracture. With a simple fracture, doctors might advocate the use of a splint to give stability and comfort to the affected leg. Once the inflammation comes down a bit, a plaster cast might be used to immobilize the leg and let it heal naturally. In cases of serious fractures, surgery might be the only option though it is usually considered the last resort. Doctors might use metal plates and screws to further reinforce the leg so that affected people can get back the lost strength and stability.
