A fracture of the tibia or shin bone in the leg. This fracture can be open (where the bone is exposed to the outside) or closed (where the skin is not opened).
It is usually caused by a fall, accident or medical problem such as osteoporosis or bone tumour/metastases.
The most common symptoms are: pain, bruising or bleeding, swelling, difficulty moving and inability to stand upright.
Diagnosis is made clinically by description of the event and physical examination, although an x-ray is required to confirm and study the condition of the bone.
Treatment is based on reduction and immobilisation of the fracture with a cast or surgery with nails and screws (open fracture). Painkillers and anti-inflammatories are used to reduce pain and swelling. The leg should not be put on the ground until the bone has healed completely. If a cast has been applied and skin lesions, changes in finger colour, swelling or other unusual symptoms occur, it is advisable to see a doctor to assess the situation.
- N. Kulund D. Lesiones del deportista. Pierna, tobillo y pie. Salvat S.A. 409-428.
- M. B. Devas. Stress fractures of the tibia in athletes or "shin soreness". J Bone Joint Surg (40):227-239.
- UpToDate [Internet]. Waltham. 2017. Overview of tibial fractures in adults; [citado el 27 de junio de 2017]. Disponible en: http://www.uptodate.com/contents/overview-of-tibial-fractures-in-adults?source=search_result&search=fractura+tibial&selectedTitle=1~75
- UpToDate [Internet]. Waltham. 2017. Stress fractures of the tibia and fibula; [citado el 27 de junio de 2017]. Disponible en: http://www.uptodate.com/contents/stress-fractures-of-the-tibia-and-fibula?source=search_result&search=fractura+tibial&selectedTitle=8~75
