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Fractures of the proximal tibia (Shinbone)
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A fracture, or break, in the shinbone just below the knee is called a proximal tibia fracture. The proximal tibia is the upper portion of the bone where it widens to help form the knee joint.
In addition to the broken bone, soft tissues (skin, muscle, nerves, blood vessels, and ligaments) may be injured at the time of the fracture. Both the broken bone and any soft-tissue injuries must be treated together. In many cases, surgery is required to restore strength, motion, and stability to the leg, and reduce the risk for arthritis.
Causes of Fractures of the proximal tibia (Shinbone)
A fracture of the upper tibia can occur from stress (minor breaks from unusual excessive activity) or from already compromised bone (as in cancer or infection). Most, however, are the result of trauma (injury).
Young people experience these fractures often as a result of a high-energy injury, such as a fall from considerable height, sports-related trauma, and motor vehicle accidents.
Older persons with poorer quality bone often require only low-energy injury (fall from a standing position) to create these fractures.
Factors that increase the risk of Fractures of the proximal tibia (Shinbone)
Pain that is worse when weight is placed on the affected leg.
Swelling around the knee and limited bending of the joint.
Deformity — The knee may look “out of place”.
Pale, cool foot — A pale appearance or cool feeling to the foot may suggest that the blood supply is in some way impaired..
Numbness around the foot — Numbness, or “pins and needles,” around the foot raises concern about nerve injury or excessive swelling within the leg..
If you have these symptoms after an injury, go to the nearest hospital emergency room for an evaluation..
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Treatment of Fractures of the proximal tibia (Shinbone)
A proximal tibia fracture can be treated nonsurgically or surgically. There are benefits and risks associated with both forms of treatment.
Whether to have surgery is a combined decision made by the patient, the family, and the doctor. The preferred treatment is accordingly based on the type of injury and the general needs of the patient.
When planning treatment, your doctor will consider several things, including your expectations, lifestyle, and medical condition.
In an active individual, restoring the joint through surgery is often appropriate because this will maximize the joint’s stability and motion, and minimize the risk of arthritis.
In other individuals, however, surgery may be of limited benefit. Medical concerns or pre-existing limb problems might make it unlikely that the individual will benefit from surgery. In such cases, surgical treatment may only expose these individuals to its risks (anesthesia and infection, for example).
