Is a comminuted fracture of the tibia serious?

Written by Lv Yao

Orthopedics

Updated on September 20, 2024

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A comminuted fracture of the tibia is defined as a fracture where there are three or more fracture fragments, termed a comminuted fracture. The severity of a comminuted fracture of the tibia depends on the location of the fracture. If the fracture is located at the epiphyseal end, where there is abundant blood supply, healing may occur more quickly. However, if the fracture is accompanied by surrounding soft tissue injuries, the healing process can be very slow. If the fracture occurs in the middle to distal third of the bone, where the blood supply is more limited, healing can be slower compared to simple transverse fractures, and the prognosis may vary depending on the choice of treatment method.

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Written by Lv Yao

Orthopedics

55sec

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Post-traumatic sequelae of femoral head comminuted fracture

A comminuted fracture generally refers to a fracture with more than three fragments. When a comminuted fracture occurs in the femoral head, it is also a type of intra-articular comminuted fracture. Generally speaking, after the fracture is reduced and stabilized, there can be some damage to the joint surface as well, leading to unevenness of the joint surface and a higher chance of developing postoperative traumatic arthritis. There is also a possibility that the comminution of the femoral head fracture could affect the blood supply to the femoral head, leading to ischemic necrosis of the femoral head. After treatment for the fracture injury, there will inevitably be some impact on postoperative function. Therefore, after a comminuted fracture of the femoral head, the first sequelae to appear is usually traumatic arthritis, followed by ischemic necrosis of the femoral head, and thirdly, symptoms of restricted movement in the hip joint may occur.

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Written by Na Hong Wei

Orthopedics

41sec

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How long does it take to walk normally after a comminuted patellar fracture?

If the surgery is performed without any issues, you can start normal knee flexion and extension exercises about three days after the surgery. Then, about a week later, you can begin walking with the aid of crutches. At six weeks post-surgery, you should return to the hospital for a follow-up. If there is continuous callus formation along the fracture line, you can walk normally. However, you need to be cautious at this time, as the fracture healing is not very solid, and it is best to avoid vigorous activities. Activities like running and jumping should be postponed until about three months later. Therefore, for patellar comminuted fractures, you can generally walk normally between six to twelve weeks after the surgery.

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Written by Li Jin

Orthopedics

53sec

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How long will it take to walk after a comminuted fracture of the tibia?

The decision on when to walk depends on the recovery status of the fracture. Generally, a tibial fracture requires about 4-6 weeks of rest. Around 4-6 weeks, you can revisit the hospital for an X-ray checkup. If the callus is growing well, and the fracture line is blurred or disappeared, you can start using crutches to walk and perform functional exercises. However, recovery from a comminuted fracture takes longer, so an X-ray examination is essential before starting to walk. If the examination results show good recovery, then you can start walking. If you walk too early, it may interfere with the fracture healing, and in severe cases, it might even cause the fracture to break again. Therefore, the time it takes for someone with a comminuted tibial fracture to walk depends on the specific circumstances, and an X-ray examination must be performed before walking.

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Written by Wang Cheng Lin

Orthopedics

54sec

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How long will it take for a comminuted ankle fracture to heal?

Hello! You're asking how long it takes for a comminuted ankle fracture to heal. Generally, the healing time for a comminuted fracture in the ankle is about three months. Depending on your specific condition, you may need to have an X-ray to confirm if your ankle fracture has achieved bony union. If bony union has been achieved, you can then appropriately begin weight-bearing activities to promote blood circulation in the lower limbs and restore joint mobility. However, if the X-ray shows that bony union has not been achieved, it is absolutely crucial not to bear weight. Premature weight-bearing can cause the fracture ends to break again and shift, potentially necessitating a second surgery. So, generally speaking, the healing time for non-comminuted ankle fractures is also about three months, but it is essential to check the final X-ray to see if the fracture has healed.

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Written by Su Zhen Bo

Orthopedics

55sec

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Why are elderly people prone to fragility fractures?

In clinical settings, elderly individuals commonly experience comminuted fractures, primarily due to their reduced levels of physical activity, which can lead to the loss of proteins, calcium, minerals, and moisture in the bones. This reduces bone strength and density, and if they have osteoporosis, bones can easily break into pieces when subjected to external force. Therefore, it is crucial to apply proper treatment methods promptly after a comminuted fracture occurs. This can involve manual reduction, external fixation, or surgical treatment such as open reduction and internal fixation. Postoperatively, treatments like electrotherapy and physical therapy, along with oral calcium supplements and bone-healing medications, can facilitate recovery. Nutritionally, it is beneficial to consume foods rich in proteins and calcium to aid in the healing of fractures.