Tibia Fracture Fixation in India
Surgical repair of broken shin bone using plates, screws, or intramedullary nails to restore alignment and stability.
Overview
Symptoms & Indications
This surgery may be recommended if you experience:
Severe pain in the shin area immediately after injury
Visible deformity or abnormal angulation of the lower leg
Inability to bear weight or walk on the affected leg
Swelling, bruising, and tenderness around the fracture site
Bone protruding through the skin (open fracture) in severe cases
Numbness or tingling in the foot (nerve involvement)
Limited range of motion in the ankle or knee
Crepitus (grinding sensation) when moving the leg
Procedure Details
Duration
1.5-3 hours depending on fracture complexity
Anesthesia
General anesthesia or spinal anesthesia with sedation
Preparation for Surgery
Pre-operative assessment includes X-rays, CT scans if needed to evaluate fracture complexity, blood tests, and medical clearance. Open fractures require emergency treatment with antibiotics and tetanus prophylaxis. Patients are kept NPO (nothing by mouth) before surgery.
Surgical Steps
General or spinal anesthesia is administered
The leg is positioned and sterilized, and a tourniquet may be applied
For intramedullary nailing: A small incision is made near the knee, and a guide wire is inserted through the bone marrow canal
For plate fixation: An incision is made over the fracture site to expose the bone
Fracture fragments are carefully reduced (realigned) to restore normal anatomy
Intramedullary nail is inserted and secured with locking screws, OR plate is positioned and secured with multiple screws
For open fractures: Thorough irrigation and debridement of contaminated tissue
Fluoroscopy (live X-ray) confirms proper alignment and hardware position
Incisions are closed in layers and sterile dressings are applied
Recovery Timeline
What to expect during your recovery journey
Recovery
Hospital stay for pain management, wound care, and initial physical therapy
Recovery
Non-weight bearing or partial weight bearing with crutches, gentle ankle exercises
Recovery
Progressive weight bearing, X-rays to assess healing, increased physical therapy
Recovery
Full weight bearing, strengthening exercises, gradual return to normal activities
Recovery
Complete bone healing, potential hardware removal if symptomatic, return to sports
Tips for Faster Recovery
Follow weight bearing restrictions strictly to allow proper bone healing
Elevate the leg above heart level frequently to reduce swelling
Perform ankle pumps and toe exercises to prevent blood clots and maintain circulation
Keep surgical wounds clean and dry, watch for signs of infection
Use assistive devices (crutches, walker) as prescribed by your surgeon
Attend all follow-up appointments for X-rays and clinical assessment
Take calcium and vitamin D supplements to support bone healing
Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol as they impair bone healing
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this procedure
Q1.How long does it take for a tibia fracture to heal?
Q2.Will I need hardware removal surgery?
Q3.What is the difference between intramedullary nailing and plate fixation?
Q4.Can I walk immediately after surgery?
Q5.What are the risks of tibia fracture surgery?
Q6.Will I have a permanent limp after healing?
Q7.What is an open fracture and how is it treated differently?
Q8.When can I return to sports or heavy work?
Related Procedures
Femur Fracture Fixation in India
Surgical treatment for thigh bone fractures using advanced internal fixation techniques
Ankle Fracture Surgery in India
Surgical fixation of broken ankle bones using plates, screws, or rods to restore alignment and stability for proper healing and return to full mobility.
External Fixation (Open Fracture Management) in India
Specialized stabilization technique using external metal frames to treat complex and open fractures, providing secure fixation while allowing access to damaged soft tissues.
Considering This Surgery?
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