Tibia fracture

A tibial fracture is one of the most common and at the same time complex injuries of the lower limb. Since the tibia bears the main load during walking and standing, any disruption of its integrity—from a crack to a complete fracture—immediately affects mobility. If bone fragments are displaced, the function of the knee and ankle joints may also be impaired.

If a lower leg fracture is suspected, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. The Oxford Medical medical center in Kyiv operates a 24/7 emergency trauma unit, where patients can immediately undergo X-ray diagnostics and receive professional medical care.

Timely diagnosis and a properly chosen treatment strategy help minimize the risk of complications and ensure full recovery. You can schedule an appointment by phone or via the online booking form on the website.

In traumatology, tibial fractures are classified according to several clinical criteria. This helps determine the optimal treatment method, prognosis, and rehabilitation plan.

By Fracture Location

• Proximal tibial fracture – damage to the upper part of the bone (tibial plateau), affecting the knee joint and often associated with intra-articular complications
• Diaphyseal fracture – fracture of the bone shaft, usually caused by significant force (falls from height, road traffic accidents)
• Distal tibial fracture – located near the ankle and may be combined with damage to the articular cartilage

By Skin Integrity

• Closed fracture – the skin over the fracture is intact, with a lower risk of infectious complications
• Open fracture – an open wound with bone fragments exposed, increasing the risk of infection and requiring urgent surgical intervention

By Fragment Displacement

• Without displacement – bone fragments remain in their correct anatomical position
• With displacement – fragments are shifted relative to the bone axis, complicating healing and often requiring surgical fixation

By Fracture Line Pattern

• Transverse – the fracture line is perpendicular to the bone axis
• Oblique – the fracture line is angled relative to the bone axis
• Spiral – caused by twisting injuries
• Comminuted – the bone is broken into several fragments

By Stability

• Stable – anatomical stability is maintained after fragment alignment
• Unstable – high risk of secondary displacement, requiring more active treatment and monitoring

This classification allows the physician to accurately assess the severity of the injury and choose the most effective treatment strategy for each patient.

Evaluation of a suspected tibial fracture begins with an examination by an orthopedic traumatologist. The doctor assesses deformity, pain, swelling, bruising, joint mobility impairment, and the ability to bear weight on the leg.

If a tibial fracture is suspected, X-ray imaging is the primary diagnostic method, allowing confirmation of the fracture, determination of its location, and assessment of the injury pattern.

In complex or unclear cases, additional diagnostic methods may be prescribed:

• Computed tomography (CT) – for precise assessment of complex fractures, comminuted injuries, and damage to joint surfaces
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) – if ligament or tendon injuries are suspected

This comprehensive approach helps identify complications in a timely manner and choose the optimal treatment strategy, ensuring safe and rapid restoration of leg function.

The treatment strategy for a tibial fracture depends on the location of the injury, the presence of fragment displacement, and the condition of surrounding tissues.

For stable fractures without displacement, the following are used:

• Limb immobilization – plaster cast, orthosis, or functional brace to stabilize fragments and limit load on the leg
• Medication therapy – for pain relief and prevention of thromboembolic complications
• Gradual introduction of therapeutic exercises – to prevent muscle atrophy and restore mobility

For displaced, comminuted, or open fractures, the main treatment method is orthopedic surgery aimed at anatomical alignment of fragments and their stable fixation.

The main surgical treatment methods include:

• Osteosynthesis with metal implants – plates, screws, or intramedullary rods
• External fixation – used for open fractures or significant soft tissue damage, and sometimes as a temporary solution before definitive surgery

A properly selected treatment strategy makes it possible to achieve correct bone healing, preserve joint mobility, and return to an active lifestyle without pain or limitations.

Regular follow-up with a traumatologist allows monitoring of bone healing, timely adjustment of loads, and prevention of complications. Adherence to rehabilitation recommendations is a key factor in full recovery of leg function.

A tibial fracture is a serious injury, and even after successful treatment, certain consequences may persist, especially in cases of complex fractures, fragment displacement, or delayed medical care.

Possible complications include:

• Limited motion in the ankle and knee joints. Reduced range of motion may result from prolonged immobilization, contractures, or damage to joint surfaces.
• Muscle weakness and gait disturbance. Restoration of lower leg and thigh muscle strength requires systematic rehabilitation. Without proper loading, limping, instability, and rapid fatigue while walking may occur.
• Chronic pain or discomfort. Pain may persist during physical activity, especially after comminuted fractures, soft tissue damage, or complicated healing.
• Incomplete or deformed bone union. Disrupted anatomical alignment may lead to limb shortening, axis deviation of the lower leg, and altered gait biomechanics.
• Increased risk of osteoarthritis. In intra-articular fractures, post-traumatic osteoarthritis of the knee or ankle joint may develop.

Timely diagnosis, adherence to treatment protocols, and comprehensive rehabilitation significantly reduce the risk of long-term consequences and help restore leg function as fully as possible.

The cost of treatment for a tibial fracture depends on the complexity of the injury. In particular, the price is affected by the volume of diagnostic examinations and the need for surgical intervention and inpatient observation.

You can preliminarily familiarize yourself with the prices for medical services in Kyiv here, but the most accurate information about the cost of treatment and rehabilitation will be provided by the doctor after the examination.

You can make an appointment for a consultation with a traumatologist at a time convenient for you.