Fibula Fracture
synonyms: isolated fibula facture
Fibula Fracture ICD-9
- 823.21 (fracture of shaft, closed, fibula alone)
- 823.21 (fracture of shaft, open, fibula alone)
Fibula Fracture Etiology / Epidemiology / Natural History
- Isolated fractures of the fibula are rare.
- Generally occur from a fall or direct blow to the lateral leg.
Fibula Fracture Anatomy
Fibula Fracture Clinical Evaluation
- Tenderness along lateral leg, most severe at fracture site.
- Document knee and ankle exams. Isolated fibula fractures will have normal knee and ankle exams.
Fibula Fracture Xray / Diagnositc Tests
- A/P and lateral views of the tibia demonstrate the fibular fracture. Ensure the ankle mortise is intact and normal.
Fibula Fracture Classification / Treatment
- Ensure injury is an isolated fibula fracture. Avulsion fractures of the proximal fibula associated with knee ligament injuries or fibula fractures associated with ankle syndesmotic injuries are much more common than isolated fibula fractures.
- Treatment: symptomatic; below-knee walking cast or removal cam-walker brace. Weight-bearing as tolerated. Union generally occurs in 6-8 weeks.
Fibula Fracture Associated Injuries / Differential Diagnosis
- Syndesmotic injury
- Superficial peroneal nerve palsy (associated with proximal fractures)
- Knee ligament injury
Fibula Fracture Complications
- Nonunion (treat with ORIF +/- bone grafting)
Fibula Fracture Follow-up Care
- Weight-bearing as tolerated
- Union generally occurs in 6-8 weeks
Fibula Fracture Review References
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