The tibia is the largest, strongest of the two lower leg bones. It forms the knee joint with the hip, the ankle joint with the fibula and the tarsus. Many powerful muscles that move the feet and lower legs attach to the tibia. Support, movement of the tibia is essential for many activities performed by the legs, including standing, walking, running, jumping, and supporting body weight.
The lower leg is in the lower leg, medial to the fibula, distal to the femur, and proximal to the talus of the foot. Its widest part is at the proximal end near the thigh, where it forms the distal end of the knee joint, then it tapers in length closer to the ankle joint ... [Read below]
[Top start] ... The proximal end is flat, with smooth, concave medial, lateral condyles forming the knee joint with the femur. Between the condyles are the attachment points of the meniscus and the anterior, as well as the posterior cruciate ligament of the knee joint. At the lower edge of the lateral condyle there is a small facet, where the tibia forms the proximal tibiofibular joint with the fibula. This joint is flat, allowing the tibial, peroneal to slide slightly past each other and adjust the position of the lower leg.
Just below the condyles, on the anterior surface of the tibia, is a large bony ridge that provides an attachment point for the patella through the patellar ligament. Shin extension involves contraction of the rectus femoris muscle, which pulls on the patella, which in turn pulls on the tibia. The tuberosity of the tibia and the anterior ridge, allow you to clearly determine the landmarks of the lower leg, as they are easily palpable through the skin.
Approaching the ankle joint, the shin bone expands slightly in the medial-lateral and anteroposterior planes. On the medial side, the tibia forms rounded bony processes known as the medial malleolus. The medial malleolus is formed on the medial side of the ankle with the talus of the foot; it can be easily identified by palpation of the skin in this area. On the lateral side of the lower leg there is a small depression that forms the distal tibiofibular joint with the fibula.
The structure of the tibia
The tibia is classified as a long bone due to its long, narrow shape. The long bones are hollow in the middle, with cancellous bone regions at each end and strong, compact bone enclosing their entire structure. The cancellous bone is made up of tiny columns known as trabeculae that strengthen the ends of the bones from external stress. The red bone marrow, which produces blood cells, is located in the cancellous bone openings between the trabeculae.
The hollow middle of the bone, known as the medullary cavity, is filled with fat-rich yellow bone marrow, which stores energy for the body. Surrounding the marrow cavity, cancellous bone, is a thick layer of compact bone that gives it most of its strength as well as mass. Compact bone is composed of cells surrounded by a matrix of solid mineral calcium and collagen protein, which is extremely strong and flexible to withstand stress.
Around the compact bone is a thin, fibrous layer known as the periosteum. The periosteum is made up of dense, fibrous connective tissue to which ligaments attach that connect the tibia to the surrounding bones and tendons that attach muscles to bone. These joints prevent muscles and bones from separating from each other.
Finally, a thin layer of hyaline cartilage covers the ends of the tibia, where it forms the knee and ankle joints. The hyaline layer is extremely smooth and slightly flexible, providing a smooth surface for the joint to glide as well as cushioning to withstand impacts.
At birth, the lower leg is made up of two bones: a central trunk known as the diaphysis, and a thin lid just below the knee known as the proximal pineal gland. The thin layer of hyaline cartilage separating the two bones allows them to move slightly relative to each other. The distal end of the tibia is made up of hyaline cartilage at birth, but begins to ossify at about 2 years of age, forming the distal epiphysis. Throughout childhood, the diaphysis and the two pineal glands remain separated by a thin layer of hyaline cartilage known as the epiphyseal cartilage or growth plate. The cartilage in the epiphyseal plate grows throughout childhood, adolescence, and is gradually replaced by bone tissue. The result of this growth is the lengthening of the legs. In late adolescence, the diaphysis and pineal gland merge into one tibia.
The tibia is part of the lower leg skeleton. Its damage can permanently deprive a person of the ability to move. If the bones do not heal or are not connected properly, surgery may be required.
Location
The shin is where the shin bone is located. It is in two parts and is located at the bottom of the leg. The tibia (tibia) is located medially. It is long, has a 3-sided body and two pineal glands. The upper end of the tibia is involved in the formation of the knee joint. The tibia bone is the strongest in the human skeleton. The tibia can withstand a maximum load of up to 1650 kilograms.
The fibula (Tibia) is less massive and is located laterally. It is long and tubular, attaches to the large and restricts the ankle. Fractures and injuries of the MBC are rare.
Description of BBK
The largest component of the tibia is called the tibia, its anatomy has one feature. Its second, but separate, half adjoins the BBK. This is the small bone of the tibia. The tibia and fibula are attached to the hip joints and patella. An ankle is formed at the bottom and adjoins the talus.
The front edge of the tibia looks like a pointed crest. From above it is bumpy. There is a small connecting cartilage between the tibia. The surface of the tibia is convex and can be felt even through the skin. The lateral part is concave, the posterior part is flat, with a soleus muscle. Below is the feeding hole.
The proximal pineal gland is slightly enlarged. Its sides are called condyles. Outside the lateral, there is a flat articular surface. At the top of the proximal pineal gland there is a small eminence with two tubercles. The distal pineal gland is quadrangular. The lateral surface has a peroneal notch. Behind the pineal gland is the ankle groove.
LBC fractures
With injuries of the tibia, where it is located, pain appears . This may indicate a fracture. The latter can have several varieties. Fractures of the tibia are oblique and transverse. They also distinguish between comminuted and fragmentary.
Intra-articular fractures can occur in the condyles or medial malleolus. This is most often due to the twisting of the lower leg with the foot fixed. This is manifested in the fact that a person has pain in the tibia. Ankle fracture often occurs after a sharp turn of the foot.
Bone fracture symptoms
Even small cracks in the bones are negative. Fractures feel much more acute. They are detected quickly when the shin bone hurts when walking. – this may indicate a violation of its integrity. Unpleasant sensations arise when feeling the feet. Severe pain is immediately felt at the site of the fracture.
If the bone fragments turned out to be displaced, then the lower leg is deformed and the axis of the limb changes. Swelling appears on the leg. The limb cannot bear any load. After surgical treatment of the deformed tibia, a person can stand on the sore leg the next day after the operation.
When the proximal part is injured, acute pain occurs, which intensifies when probing the limb. The leg becomes shorter, it is impossible to step on it, it does not bend at the knee. You can't even move the affected limb.
The first sign of diaphyseal fractures is the appearance of extensive hematomas. They are formed due to subcutaneous hemorrhage in soft tissues. Sometimes a state of shock appears. With such a fracture, a person cannot move, he is tormented by severe pain. Fragment fractures are very rare, but still occur. In this case, swelling and pain immediately appear.
Why does the great tibia bone hurt? This can be with a simultaneous fracture and MBC. As a result of injury to both shin bones, treatment is greatly complicated. With such a fracture, if displacement is observed, it is impossible to carry out the usual reduction.
Cyst
When the shin bone hurts, it may mean the appearance of a cyst. This is an ailment when a thickening appears in half of the tissue. Cysts are a manifestation of a dystrophic process.
The thickenings are based on impaired blood circulation and the active activity of lysosomal enzymes, which lead to a decrease in collagen and other useful substances and proteins. A cyst refers to a neoplasm that can be both benign and malignant.
They are found when the shin bone on the leg begins to hurt. . The cyst is aneurysmal or solitary. It develops over a long period of time. A solitary cyst is most often found in adolescents. Aneurysmal neoplasm appears suddenly. Basically, such a cyst appears after an injury or bone fracture.
Pain in the lower leg and her bones
Calf pain can have various causes. For example, from excessive training, when the shin bone begins to hurt after running. It can become more fragile if there is a lack of calcium, magnesium and other essential elements in the body. They are often washed out when a person uses diuretics.
When the shin bone in front hurts, it may be due to joint disease or excessive stress that the legs suddenly felt after a long stagnant period. The causes of negative sensations can be inflammation or an infection that affects the bone tissue. Very rarely, a malignant tumor can appear on the bone.
Fracture of MBC
Trauma or fracture of the MBC can result from damage to the head or neck. This rarely happens. Most often, such a fracture is combined with other injuries of the lower leg. A person immediately feels severe pain in the knee. Nevertheless, the leg is able to bend and unbend.
The bad news is that in the MBC, the upper section can cause very serious complications. They are due to nerve damage and dysfunction. This provokes additional complications, up to complete immobilization of the limbs. For MBC fractures, conservative treatment is carried out. But if complications arise, a surgical operation is performed.
Complications after fractures
Complications after fractures can occur most often due to untimely visits to the surgeon or after improper treatment. But often the perpetrators of complications are not doctors, but the individual characteristics of the organism (intolerance to certain drugs, low content of calcium in the tissues, etc.).
Complications can manifest in different ways. Incorrect fusion of the tibia where the fracture was. Fat embolism occurs, the blood supply to the internal organs is disrupted. After the bone grows together, the leg or knee is completely immobilized. Deforming osteoarthritis can begin in them. During healing due to a bone defect, a pseudarthrosis is observed. Deformation of the leg occurs.
A tibia fracture is the most common complication. Often they begin due to the forced long immobilization of the leg. But thanks to modern means and technology, most of the negative consequences have become possible to avoid.
Fracture treatment
Fracture treatment is most often performed on an outpatient basis. A plaster cast is applied to the limb. In addition, the limb can be additionally secured with special devices. In order to calculate in time how much the tibia bone grows together ,
you need to start from the moment the leg is fixed.
After applying the plaster, a ten-day bed rest is prescribed. Then the person is allowed to walk a little and lightly step on the foot. Most often, the bones are completely healed within five weeks. A complex fracture of the tibia may require inpatient treatment. In this case, fusion occurs within two months.
If it is revealed that the greater tibia bone (there is a photo of it in this article) is broken with displacement and the presence of fragments, then first the fragments are repositioned. The operation takes place under local anesthesia. After that, the cast is applied to the entire leg. Treatment of condylar injuries and fractures is carried out using osteosynthesis and traction. In this case, the healing of the leg takes two to four months. The main thing is not to delay a visit to a specialist and start treatment on time.
The shin bones include the tibia and fibula. The tibia is more massive, located on the medial side of the lower leg, articulated with the femur and the bones of the foot. It is the main bone that carries the function of support. The fibula lies lateral and is mainly involved in strengthening the ankle joint (Fig. 95).
95. Tibia and fibula.
1 - eminentia intercondylaris;
2 - condylus medialis;
3 - tuberositas tibiae;
4 - tibia;
5 - fibula;
6 - margo anterior;
7 - malleolus medialis;
8 - malleolus lateralis;
9 - apex capitis fibulae;
10 - condylus lateralis tibiae.
Tibia
The tibia (tibia) is steamy, has two pineal glands and a body. The upper epiphysis is expanded due to the medial and lateral condyles (condylus medialis et lateralis). Below the lateral condyle is the peroneal articular surface (facies articularis fibularis) - the place of articulation with the head of the fibula. The upper articular surface of the condyles is concave and divided by the intercondylar eminence (eminentia intercondylaris). On both sides of the eminence are the medial and lateral intercondylar tubercles (tubercula intercondylaria mediale et laterale). Below this elevation, in front, there is a massive tuberosity (tuberosistas tibiae). In the area of the body (corpus tibiae), the anterior, medial and interosseous edges are clearly distinguished. The interosseous membrane begins from the latter. At the distal (lower) end, the medial malleolus (malleolus medialis) is well contoured, and on the opposite side, its notch (incisura fibularis), where the fibula is attached.
Ossification. The ossification nucleus at the 8th week of intrauterine development occurs in the diaphysis, at the 6th month - in the upper epiphysis. In 12-16 years, the core of ossification of the upper pineal gland merges with the core of ossification of the tibial tuberosity. In the lower pineal gland, the ossification nucleus appears in the 1st - 3rd year of life.
Fibula
The fibula (fibula) is thinner than the previous one (Fig. 95). Located on the outside of the lower leg. In it, the apex of the head (apex capitis) is distinguished at the upper pointed end, the body (corpus) is located below and at the lower end - the lateral malleolus (malleolus lateralis), which is the distal pineal gland.
Ossification... The first nucleus of ossification arises in the body at the 8th week of embryonic development, in the lower epiphysis - in the 1-3rd year, in the upper epiphysis - in the 3rd - 7th year.
Radiographs of the tubular bones of the lower extremities
The images of the bones of the lower extremities show a more intense shadow of the bone substance and a slight shadow of the surrounding soft tissues. The outer contours of the compact bone lamina are even and distinct. The inner surface of the cortical layer serves as the boundary between the compact and cancellous bone substance and the medullary cavity. In the area of the diaphysis, this border is more contrasting, in the epiphyses and metaphyses it is smoother, a fine-mesh structure of spongy substance is visible in them. Children have ossification nuclei and growth cartilaginous zones in the form of a narrow strip with clear, but uneven edges (Fig. 96).
96. Posterior (A) and left (B) photographs of the bones of the young man's right shin.
1 - the diaphysis of the femur;
2 - metaphysis of the femur;
3 - patella;
4 - growth cartilage;
5 - lateral condyle of the femur;
b - proximal epiphysis of the tibia;
7 - proximal epiphysis of the fibula;
8 - metaphysis of the fibula;
9 - diaphysis of the fibula;
10 - distal metaphysis of the fibula;
11 - distal epiphysis of the fibula;
12 - medial condyle of the femur;
13 - epiphyseal cartilage.
The lower leg, that is, part of the lower limb of a person, consists of the following bones: tibia and fibula. Muscles are attached to these components of the human body. The fibula itself consists of a long, thin, somewhat twisted body and two widened ends. The upper end has the name - the head of the fibula, and it, thanks to its peculiar articular surface, is attached to the tibia. This attachment is made by an interosseous membrane. And the lower end is the ankle, which goes into the ankle joint. This is the anatomy of this part of the human lower leg.
It is thanks to the fibula that the lower leg, as well as the human foot, can rotate. But this process occurs as a result of the rotation of the two bones of the lower leg relative to each other. We owe our mobility to these bones. According to the anatomical atlas, the fibula is located in the same place as the tibia, that is, in the lower leg.
What damage is the fibula subject to?
There are several types of damage to this bone.
- Fractures.
- Cracks.
- Offsets.
With a fracture of the fibula, the integrity of the body of this element of the human body is violated. It is located in the lower leg and usually breaks along with the tibia. The causes of fractures can be: traffic accidents, various household injuries, falls, blows. People involved in extreme sports are more likely to break the fibula than others. Also, this part of the lower leg is sometimes subject to fractures due to the lack of a balanced, full of vitamins and calcium, nutrition in elderly people.
The main types of fractures of the fibula.
- Fracture with displacement of bone particles.
- A fracture without any displacement.
- With or without fragments.
- According to the very nature of the fracture: oblique or transverse, fragmentary or spiral.
- Depending on the blow that hit the bone: direct or indirect.
Types of symptoms for fibula fracture.
- Sharp pain at the site of the injury.
- Swelling on the surface of the lower leg or even the foot.
- Clear signs of a hematoma.
- A somewhat deformed appearance of the limb itself.
- The muscles are pulled to the injury and create the effect of shortening the leg.
- Difficulty walking.
First aid for fractures of the fibula
If a bone is broken, you need to give the person a pain reliever and be sure to immobilize the leg. It is impossible to treat a bone fracture on your own without medical qualifications. The victim must be sent to the clinic for an appointment with a doctor. To do this, you need to call an ambulance or take a person to the hospital by taxi.
Who Diagnoses a Fibular Fracture?
The specialist in the treatment of fibula fractures is a traumatologist. The doctor first interviews the patient about how the injury was received. Then the doctor will require you to pass all the necessary tests and an X-ray of the lower leg. Only after a detailed study of the nature of the injuries will the doctor begin to treat the patient. After all, the fibula is treated, based on its anatomy, only by a specialist traumatologist.
How is a fibula fracture treated?
The doctor is involved in providing assistance to the patient, depending on the nature of the fracture. When a bone sticks out, sticks out, hurts badly, then these are symptoms of a serious fracture, for the treatment of which an operation is needed. If no displacement is found on the X-ray, then a plaster cast is simply applied to the patient's leg.
Surgical intervention is required when parts of the bone come off. With the help of special knitting needles, the doctor will return the bones to the correct position. And metal structures will help fix the bone.
Also, they resort to surgery if the patient has an open fracture of the fibula, or with significant fragmentation of this part of the lower leg. The doctor first restores the very shape of the bone by applying broken particles to each other. Then he holds the bone parts together with special screws or plates.
How long does it take for a fracture to heal?
There is no single period of time during which all fibular fractures are healed. Depending on the nature of the injury, as well as on the severity, on the age of the patient, on the qualifications of the attending physician, various injuries heal in different ways.
It can be argued that bone fusion will occur within two or three months. The callus itself appears after six weeks. More severe injuries are restored six months later.
How is rehabilitation after fractures going?
Four months after the fractured bone has completely healed, the rehabilitation process should begin. In time, it can drag on for six months or even more. It all depends on the severity of the fracture.
Types of rehabilitation for fractures of the fibula.
- Implementation of a scientifically developed complex of remedial gymnastics, which will help to "develop" the diseased leg and bring it into mobility.
- Massages performed by professional chiropractors.
- Water treatments in the swimming pools.
- Home baths for medicinal trauma.
- Self-rubbing of medicinal ointments and creams.
- A gradual increase in the load on the sore leg under the supervision of the attending physician.
In the event that the patient turned to the attending physician on time, and professional assistance was provided to him, then it will be easy to restore the leg's working capacity. And after completing the rehabilitation course, the patient will be able to return to his usual and normal life in just six months.
- The bone may not heal properly.
- An infection can be introduced into the wound.
- The nerves or blood vessels in the lower leg can be damaged.
- Blood clots form.
- The leg is bent.
All these unpleasant moments should be corrected. And only an experienced doctor can cope with problems. In some cases, he will prescribe a second operation.
For simple fractures and small cracks without displacement of bone particles, doctors do not use radical, but more conservative treatment. It consists in immobilizing the leg with a cast or splint. A splint is applied if there is significant swelling, which prevents the application of a plaster cast on the swollen leg. Instead of a tire, splints are sometimes used. But as soon as the edema decreases, the patient is immediately put in a plaster cast.
Of course, the doctor performs all these procedures only after receiving an X-ray, indicating the nature of the damage to the leg. A patient with simple injuries of the fibula should be in a cast for about three weeks. After that, he is once again sent by the attending physician for an X-ray. Based on the results of the wound healing process obtained with the help of an image, the doctor additionally prescribes one or another treatment for his patient.
Fracture consequences and prevention
Whatever the fracture of the fibula is, it will almost always have consequences. Even if not very complicated, sometimes insignificant. But you should always pay attention to them. And in case of detection, seek help from a qualified doctor. After all, a slight pain in the lower leg can be a signal for a more serious illness. If you ignore it, then soon all sorts of disorders can occur in the human body, which will soon lead to serious illnesses.
And as a preventive measure, it is necessary to choose the right footwear for walking. Try not to wear high heels. Protective equipment should be used when playing sports. Do not expose your body to heavy physical exertion, which would lead to damage to the bones of the lower leg. Avoid in old age such sports as figure skating, skiing, roller skating. In winter, during ice conditions, try to use shoes with non-slip soles. Carefully behave in transport, follow the rules of the road.
Other diseases of the fibula
But the fibula can be subject to various diseases. The most common is periostitis. It arises as a result of advanced varicose veins. At the initial stage, the skin of the leg is not affected by any changes. But when feeling the patient complains of unpleasant painful sensations.
The doctor begins to treat a patient with periostitis based on the testimony of an X-ray, analyzes and ultrasound scanning. The patient is prescribed medications, and he should also massage the sore leg, do rubbing. It is not recommended to treat this disease at home. The patient needs specialist care. It is better to immobilize the leg for a while.
Another disease of the fibula is osteoporosis. If you look closely at the structure of this bone, you will find that it consists of compact and spongy tissue. As a result of osteoporosis, the compact and spongy substance is destroyed. The bone becomes more hollow, and therefore brittle. Symptoms of the disease: pain in the lower leg, discomfort when walking. This disease is treated with medications that are rich in calcium and phosphorus. And as a prevention of this disease, you should eat as much milk, cheese, fish as possible.
Osteomyelitis of the fibula is also a serious disease. This is a severe purulent and infectious inflammation. Osteomyelitis affects all elements of the tibia. The cause of this disease is the penetration of dangerous microorganisms inside.
The disease develops against the background of immunodeficiency, as well as diabetes mellitus or a fracture of the fibula. This disease affects not only children, but also adults. The patient's body temperature rises sharply, the skin in the lower leg and knee area turns red, the person suffers from unbearable pain.
Osteomyelitis treatment is carried out only in a hospital by a professional doctor: a surgeon or a traumatologist. This disease is diagnosed using X-rays, analyzes and computed tomography. At home, you cannot open abscesses, because this can lead to sepsis and serious complications. In the hospital, the patient is examined by a surgeon. During the operation, the purulent focus is opened and eliminated. Medical preparations are made to achieve complete recovery of the patient.
The fibula is also prone to osteosarcoma. And this disease belongs to the category of the most dangerous diseases. As a result of its development, a malignant tumor is formed in the bone. At the initial stage, the disease almost does not manifest itself. A person attributes minor pains in the lower leg to rheumatism. But he is wrong. The problem is much more serious. And after a few weeks, swelling appears, the pain becomes unbearable, metastases develop. Treatment for osteosarcoma involves surgery to remove the tumor. After that, the patient is prescribed a course of chemotherapy.
Diagnosis of this ailment is carried out in the clinic, prescribing tests, x-rays, and bone scans for the patient. A biopsy of tissue taken from the affected area of the fibula is performed. Previously, limbs susceptible to this disease were amputated. And the patients themselves did not live even five years after the operation. But now doctors have modern drugs in their arsenal. Thanks to new medicines, the percentage of patients who, even after removal of metastases, continue to live for more than five years, has significantly increased.
Osteosarcoma affects young men and women. Most often it occurs at the age of 15-20 years. After fifty years, this disease is rare. The cause of the appearance of osteosarcoma can be, for example, chemotherapy, carried out due to another oncological disease. Also, the disease can intensify after a bone fracture. The impetus for its development is osteomyelitis or Paget's disease.
Diseases that affect the fibula greatly weaken it. Sometimes minor physical activity can cause fractures, as a result of which the fibula breaks.
As a prophylaxis for diseases of the tibia, it is recommended to eat a lot of fiber and calcium. Green vegetables help to inhibit the development of pathogenic bacteria. Meat, milk, fish, cheese - these food products should always be on a person's table. But in order not to get sick with dangerous ailments, it is necessary to lead a correct lifestyle.
The bones of the lower extremities (hip and tibia) play a huge role in the structure of the human body, performing important functions in ensuring the work of the musculoskeletal system.
The tibia is part of the lower leg skeleton.
There is another name for it - the tibial bone. In terms of its functional structure, this bone is the largest and longest.
The tibia has a simple anatomical structure. Located in the composition of the lower extremities, it allows each person to make the necessary movements of the leg in space.
The anatomy of the tibia is presented in the form of a triangular body, in which 3 clear edges are distinguished:
- front (pointed in shape, manifests itself in the form of a comb, which in its upper part gradually develops into a tuberosity);
- medial (has a convex shape and protrudes slightly forward, so that it can be easily felt through the skin);
- interosseous (located in such a way that its ridge is directed towards the fibula).
The anterior part of this bone is slightly curved forward and represents the lateral surface. Unlike the front, the back of the bone tissue has an absolutely flat shape and surface.
The proximal and distal epiphyses of the tibia are isolated. Its proximal epiphysis is slightly expanded and is formed from 2 lateral parts of the lateral and medial condyles. Bony protrusions located at the top of the bone are called condyles. These projections provide the connection between the tibia and femur. The outer side of the lateral condyle forms an articular articulation with the articular surface of the fibula. The upper central part of the proximal pineal gland has a slight intercondylar eminence. In the elevation, there are:
- internal medial intercondylar tubercle;
- external lateral intercondylar tubercle.
At the intersection of the anterior and posterior fields of the intercondylar tubercles, cruciform attachment of the knee ligaments occurs.
The distal pineal gland is presented in the form of an oblong rectangle. The peroneal notch covers this pineal gland, and the ankle groove runs in the back of it.
The anatomy of the location of the tibia causes significant stress on it, which leads to a variety of injuries.
The most common injuries are bruises and fractures. According to medical statistics, more than 20% of all fractures of the lower extremities occur in the tibia. This happens as a result of exposure to excessive stress on the bone tissue.
There are different types of bone injuries. Fractures can occur with or without displacement, sometimes cracks and bruises are formed as a result of exposure. The classification of bone injuries includes:
- A bone fracture can be open or closed. The characteristic features of a closed fracture are the preservation of the skin with the appearance of severe pain, swelling and swelling.
- Fractures resulting from exposure to stressful situations. Such injuries occur due to excessive nervous tension. The muscle tissue around the bone is depleted and becomes unable to protect the bone tissue from stress. A stress fracture can only be obtained after a slow and gradual deterioration in the condition of the muscles. The symptom that accompanies this process is severe fatigue after physical exertion, the leg begins to hurt, and swelling appears.
- Epiphyseolysis, which is the rapid destruction of the bone growth zone. Children and adolescents are most often at risk of such a fracture.
- In the case of a stable fracture, an imperceptible displacement of the bone fragment occurs (as a rule, it is located along the axis).
- The line of injury during a transverse fracture runs perpendicular to the axis.
- If a displaced fracture occurs, the integrity of the bone axis is disrupted, and the disintegration of bone fragments is observed.
- Oblique fractures, which are characterized by the fact that the line of injury is located at an angle to the longitudinal axis.
- With a comminuted fracture, at least three bone fragments are formed.
There are also open and closed fractures. If a closed fracture occurs, then the integrity of the skin is preserved. In this case, the internal soft muscle tissue can be severely injured and damaged. The danger of this type of injury is that severe edema can lead to disruptions in the blood supply and cause muscle cell death. In rare cases, lower limb amputation may be required.
The diagnosis of all injuries to the lower leg area begins with the process of palpation, thanks to which it is possible to more clearly establish the type of the fracture itself. In the future, the patient is assigned to undergo a series of examinations. Basically, it is enough to take an X-ray of the damaged area, but in some cases the patient still has to undergo computed tomography. In order to trace the presence of infections and inflammatory processes, it is necessary to donate blood and urine for analysis.
As a rule, all bone body fractures are treated with surgical intervention. According to its anatomical features, such a bone body is not protected by muscle fibers, which, during injury, can lead to perforation of the skin with bone fragments. To immobilize these fragments in a medical facility, skeletal traction on the heel bone is used.
This method is used in preparation for surgical intervention. In addition, due to such immobilization, an improvement in the condition of the skin in the damaged areas is observed.
Sometimes conservative treatment can also be carried out. This mainly occurs if there is a stable fracture without displacement. Then therapy consists in applying a plaster cast and skeletal traction of the leg. Immobilization lasts for 1 month. During the entire course of treatment, the patient takes analgesics. The final stage is physiotherapy and special exercises.
It is strictly forbidden to self-medicate bone fractures at home. The result of such treatment may be that the bone will heal incorrectly and various complications may occur. That is why, if there is a suspicion of the presence of a fracture, you should first of all call an ambulance. To relieve pain, an anesthetic is given and the injured leg is immobilized.
In the case of an open fracture, bone fragments penetrate outward through the skin, it is very important to cleanse the skin around the wound, and after processing, close it with a sterile bandage. In the presence of severe bleeding, it is recommended to use a hemostatic tourniquet, which is in any medicine cabinet.
