What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

• Broken Ankle due to Fibular Fracture
• Fibular Fracture
• Fracture of the Ankle due to Fibular Fracture

What is Fracture of the Fibula? (Definition/Background Information)

• A Fracture of the Fibula is a break or crack, in the smaller of the three bones that make up the ankle joint
• A majority of the injuries that cause Fibular Fractures occur from high-energy impact, due to athletic sports or motor vehicle accidents. Other reasons may also include a fall from a substantial height
• This injury predominantly occurs in older individuals and young athletes, who participate in rough or high-impact sports
• The prognosis of Fibula Fractures is usually excellent with appropriate treatment

Who gets Fracture of the Fibula? (Age and Sex Distribution)

• Fibular Fractures may occur in individuals of all ages, gender, races, or ethnic groups
• Young athletes, who participate in high-impact sports, or older individuals with weak bones, have the highest rate of occurrence of such fractures

What are the Risk Factors for Fracture of the Fibula? (Predisposing Factors)

Common risk factors associated with a Fibular Fracture include:

• Participation in high-risk contact sports, such as basketball, football
• An advanced age (the elderly are more prone to Fractures of the Fibula)
• Reduced bone mass (osteoporosis) in postmenopausal women, or inactive older individuals (having a lack of physical activities or exercise)

It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases ones chances of getting a condition compared to an individual without the risk factors. Some risk factors are more important than others.

Also, not having a risk factor does not mean that an individual will not get the condition. It is always important to discuss the effect of risk factors with your healthcare provider.

What are the Causes of Fracture of the Fibula? (Etiology)

Some of the common causes associated with a Fibular Fracture may include:

• A direct fall on the ankle from a significant height
• Direct trauma to the ankle, such as due to an automobile accident
• Participation in any rough or high-impact sport

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Fracture of the Fibula?

Signs and symptoms of a Fracture of the Fibula include:

• Severe and immediate pain at the site, where the injury occurred
• Swelling of the ankle
• Feeling of a tender sensation, when touched
• Noticeable bruising
• Inability to apply any weight, put pressure on the ankle

How is Fracture of the Fibula Diagnosed?

Diagnostic methods that a physician may use to help diagnose a Fibular Fracture include:

• Physical examination: A thorough physical examination is important in identifying any noticeable deformities, swelling, contusions within the ankle. Individuals are also expected to provide an explanation of the circumstances that caused the injury. In addition to this, a complete medical history may aid in arriving at a definitive diagnosis
• X-ray of the ankle joint: X-rays are commonly used in evaluating a fracture and to see, if the bone has been displaced. This diagnostic imaging test provides a clear image of the bone, helps identify the exact location of the injury, and determines the extent of the fracture
• Computerized tomography (CT) scan of affected region: A CT scan takes a series of x-ray images from several different angles. These images are then merged, to create cross-sectional images of bones and soft tissues with the body. This allows a physician to examine the ankle and its surrounding structures
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of affected region: An MRI scan is a more detailed scan that uses radio waves and a magnetic field, to generate thorough images of the interior bones and soft tissues
• Bone scan: A bone scan is a diagnostic method used to identify any bone abnormalities, by injecting tiny amounts of radioactive material into the bloodstream

Many clinical conditions may have similar signs and symptoms. Your healthcare provider may perform additional tests to rule out other clinical conditions to arrive at a definitive diagnosis.

What are the possible Complications of Fracture of the Fibula?

Complications associated with Fracture of the Fibula include:

• Degenerative joint disease (osteoarthritis)
• Osteonecrosis: A serious disorder characterized by the temporary or permanent disruption of blood flow, to the bones
• Abnormal deformity, permanent disability of the ankle
• Prolonged chronic pain
• If any part of the ankle joint protrudes through the skin, bacteria may cause an infection to the exposed bone. This is called osteomyelitis
• Permanent damage to nerves and blood vessels, around the ankle joint
• There may be an abnormal pressure build-up within the muscles around the ankle. This may reduce the blood flow and prevent nourishment and oxygen, from reaching the nerve and muscle cells (termed as compartment syndrome)

How is Fracture of the Fibula Treated?

A high percentage of Fibular Fractures require surgical procedures to address the condition. However, this injury may also be treated non-surgically, depending on the individual’s specific circumstance.

Nonsurgical treatment measures for Fractures of the Fibula are:

• Any activity that further aggravates the ankle condition should be avoided. The physician would normally advise to refrain from all such activities, until the symptoms stop and the bone heals
• Complete immobilization of the ankle with a cast, is required to restrict movement
• Applying ice to the ankle can help with pain and reduce any swelling
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory oral medications, such as indomethacin and naproxen, may be used to treat a Fibular Fracture. These medications can help decrease the pain and swelling
• Individuals are likely to need physical therapy exercises after the cast is removed. The goal of these exercises is to strengthen the ankle muscles, improve flexibility, and decrease stiffness. It may take several months for an individual to complete the physical therapy program

Surgical treatment measures for Fractures of the Fibula include:

• Closed reduction: Closed reduction is a surgical treatment that involves realigning the bone back to its original position, without making an incision at the fracture site. This procedure is usually performed under a general anesthesia, or through conscious sedation, using muscle relaxants
• Open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF): An open reduction is a surgical procedure to realign the fractured bone, to its original position. Surgical hardware (such as a plate, screw, or rod) is then used to stabilize the fractured bones under the skin, until it is fully healed

How can Fracture of the Fibula be Prevented?

To prevent Fibular Fractures, individuals should be careful and consciously aware while performing any physical activities, such as sports, or even some normal daily activities that could lead to situations involving accidents. Children must be provided a safe environment to work, study, or play. Any possible dangers should also be anticipated and appropriate safety measures adopted.

A few ways to further help prevent unwanted injuries or Fractures of the Fibula include:

• Individuals, who participate in any high-risk sports, such as football, should wear appropriate safety equipment to help prevent the possibility of a Fibular Fracture
• Wearing appropriate footwear (such as the proper shoe size) may help prevent accidents
• Consuming foods rich in calcium, such as milk, yogurt, and cheese, help build bone strength. Regular diet with appropriate calcium-intake is recommended, even after a fracture. For women, the recommended amount of calcium increases with age and menopause
• Perform weight-bearing exercises to strengthen bones

What is the Prognosis of Fracture of the Fibula? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

• A high percentage of Fractures of the Fibula, heal without any serious complications
• A full recovery and a return to sports or normal daily activities may usually require a few weeks to several months. This recovery depends on the severity of the fracture
• When properly treated and rehabilitated, usually under the guidance of a physiotherapist and a medical specialist, a high percentage of individuals regain their full strength and range of motion in their injured ankle

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Fracture of the Fibula:

There is another kind of Fibular Fracture known as a fibula stress fracture. Stress fractures of the fibula/ankle are small microfractures of the bone, associated with repetitive force and overuse of the extremity (feet), caused by activities, such as long distance running or gymnastics.