How long does it take for a distal tibia fracture to heal?

What is the recovery process for a tibia fracture? Recovery time for a tibia fracture typically takes 4-6 months to heal completely. If the fracture is open or comminuted, healing time may take longer. Your doctor will often prescribe medications for pain-relief for a short period of time after the injury or surgery.

Can you walk on a distal tibia fracture?

Can you still walk with a fractured tibia? In most cases, the answer is no. Walking after a tibia fracture can make your injury worse and may cause further damage to the surrounding muscles, ligaments and skin. Walking on a fractured tibia is also likely to be extremely painful.

How do you fix a distal tibia fracture?

Distal tibia fracture can be treated with a wide range of treatment methods including a variety of external fixators, intramedullary nailing and internal plate fixation. Minimally invasive techniques have been preferred recently with the hope of better outcomes7-9.

How long is ORIF surgery?

In most cases, the surgery takes about 1 to 2 hours. But it can take longer, depending on how serious the fracture is.

How many days after tibia surgery can I walk?

If you had surgery for your tibial plateau fracture, you can put a little bit of weight on the leg after 6 weeks with the goal of walking normally by the 10th week. If you did not have surgery for your tibial plateau fracture, you can start walking safely with a knee brace in 4-6 weeks.

When should I start weight bearing after tibia fracture?

Patients with tibial plateau fractures will be instructed to touch down (toe touch or foot flat) weight bear (approximately 10% of body weight) for at least 6 weeks. After the 6 week post op visit, patients may begin weight bearing as tolerated until full weight bearing is achieved.

When do you start weight bearing after tibial fracture?

How long after tibia surgery can I walk?

What is ORIF surgery?

Open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) is a type of surgery used to stabilize and heal a broken bone. You might need this procedure to treat your broken ankle. Three bones make up the ankle joint. These are the tibia (shinbone), the fibula (the smaller bone in your leg), and the talus (a bone in your foot).

Is ORIF an emergency surgery?

ORIF surgery is only needed for severe fractures. It’s often performed as emergency surgery. If your bone is in pieces, it may need to be repositioned and held in place with screws or plates until it heals.

How long after ORIF can I walk?

Activities: Crutches have been supplied for your comfort. No walking on the foot is permitted until 6 weeks after surgery. You will then be allowed to walk in a walking boot. Postoperative office visit: A post-operative appointment may have already been set up.

How long should I elevate my leg after tibia surgery?

Prop up the injured arm or leg on a pillow when you ice it or anytime you sit or lie down during the first 1 to 2 weeks after your surgery. Try to keep it above the level of your heart. This will help reduce swelling and pain.

Why do distal tibia fractures heal slowly?

This supply is limited because of a lack of muscle attachment, and a slower rate of healing generally results. Periosteal and soft tissue stripping of the distal fracture from the injury or surgical intervention further slows the healing process.

When can I drive after ORIF surgery?

In the specific case of ORIF of a right ankle fracture driving may be resumed 3 weeks after full-weight bearing is possible.

Is ORIF surgery major surgery?

“Internal fixation” means the bones are held together with hardware like metal pins, plates, rods, or screws. After the bone heals, this hardware isn’t removed. Generally, ORIF is an urgent surgery.

How painful is an ORIF?

You can expect some pain and swelling around the cut (incision) the doctor made. This should get better within a few days after your surgery. But it is normal to have some pain for 2 to 3 weeks after surgery and mild pain for up to 6 weeks after surgery.

How long is recovery after ORIF?

Complete recovery from ORIF surgery can take anywhere from three to 12 months, depending on what bone you broke and how severe the break was. You may need physical therapy after your surgery to help you regain full use of your limb.

Do you need a cast after ORIF?

ORIF isn’t for minor fractures that can be healed with a cast or splint. ORIF recovery can last 3 to 12 months. You’ll need physical or occupational therapy, pain medication, and lots of rest. You should contact your doctor if you experience bleeding, increasing pain, or other new symptoms during recovery.

How long is ORIF pain?

How long after ORIF surgery can I walk?

No walking on the foot is permitted until 6 weeks after surgery. You will then be allowed to walk in a walking boot.

When can I start walking after broken tibia?

Does distal tibia fracture need surgery?

Distal tibial metaphyseal fractures usually heal well after setting them without surgery and applying a cast. However, there is a risk of full or partial early closure of the growth plate. This may lead to a growth arrest in the form of leg length discrepancy or other deformity.

How long does pain last after ORIF?

Is an ORIF painful?

What is the fastest way to heal a broken tibia?

The three key steps to faster bone healing are:

1. Alignment of the broken bone fragments.
2. Stability and support at the fracture site through immobilization.
3. Healthy lifestyle choices that promote healing.