Shin fractures are divided into fractures of the condyles (the thickened end of the bone forming the joint and serving for fixing the muscles), fracture of the diaphysis (central, tubular part of the bone), fractures of the ankle.
Classification of fractures
Fractures of the condyles of the tibia usually occur when falling from a height to the straightened legs or knee. The main symptoms are pain and swelling in the fracture region. Also, this type of fracture is accompanied by hemorrhages in the knee joint, the shin is turned out, the mobility of the joint is limited.
With a fracture of the diaphysis, depending on the type of injury, one or both tibia is damaged. The fracture may be transverse, oblique or fragmented. Occurs most often due to a shock on the shin. Shin deformity is possible, pain and edema are observed in the fracture region, support on the leg is impossible.
First aid for fracture
Treatment of fractures is carried out exclusively in a hospital. Immediately at the site of the injury, fixation is made by means of a tire, and regardless of the type of damage, both knee and ankle joints are fixed. You can impose a medical bus, and if you do not have it, use the available materials (boards) or simply stick one leg to the other. With an open fracture, care must be taken to prevent infection from entering the wound. After applying the tire and carrying out anesthesia, the patient should be taken to the hospital as soon as possible.
Fractures of the middle part of the bone are not complex, and in most cases are treated conservatively, by imposing a cast bandage. In the case of a displaced and fragmentation fracture, surgery may be required to align the bone.
In fractures of the upper part of the tibia with displacement, bone repositioning may be required, after which the gypsum is applied for at least 6 weeks, and if the bones are not exactly aligned, skeletal traction is carried out, which takes up to 2 months.
Heal these fractures in different ways, depending on the severity, the place of injury, age and individual characteristics of the body. Terms can be from one month with a fracture without bias to 3 months in difficult cases.
Rehabilitation after fractures
The main issues of rehabilitation after a fracture is the restoration of mobility of muscles and joints, the fight against atrophy and stagnant phenomena. To do this, first of all, therapeutic exercise is used.
Beginning classes should be before the removal of the plaster bandage. At this stage, they consist in wiggling your fingers, as well as in muscle tension.
After removing the gypsum, you need to develop a leg, gradually increasing the load. In the initial stages it is recommended to move around with a cane, and exercises to lie on the back or side (legs and legs). Activities in the pool are very useful in such situations.
The most common exercises include:
- Rotation of a foot of a damaged leg, to develop the mobility of joints. Exercise is not recommended in the first days after the removal of gypsum.
- Raise your legs up, in turns, at an angle of up to 30 degrees, holding on to some kind of support. Exercise helps to develop the muscles of the front surface of the thigh.
- Holding on to the support, swing your legs to the side to develop the muscles of the inner surface of the thigh.
- Slowly rise on your toes and sink, if necessary holding on to the wall or other support. Over time, to increase the load, you can perform the exercise, standing on one leg.
- Normal walking - to develop muscles, or climb stairs - for joints.
In addition to physical therapy for a speedy recovery use massage, hydromassage, therapeutic baths.