The fibula is the smaller of the two bones in the lower leg (extending from the knee to ankle) and is the most slender bone of all the long bones in the human body. A complete or partial break in this bone is known as a fibula fracture or fibular fracture. Because the fibula bears only 17% of the body’s weight, a fibula fracture is not as serious as a tibia fracture.
Fibula Fracture Symptoms
If you suspect you’ve broken any bone in your body, seek medical treatment immediately. The following are some of the common signs of a fibula fracture:
- Pain in the leg ranging from moderate to excruciating
- Inability to bear any weight on the suspected fractured leg
- Bleeding and/or bruising at the injury site
- Inflammation and swelling
- Tenderness, coldness or numbness in the leg and in the foot beyond the injury site
- Visual deformity of the leg.
- Fibula Fracture Treatment
Treatment of a fracture will vary depending on the severity of the fracture, amount of displacement, and whether or not the tibia, ankle or knee bones were also fractured. In more serious cases, surgery may be required to attach a plate and screws to the bone. In less serious cases, the fracture will heal on its own with a period of immobilization and a cast or walking boot. As the fracture heals, physical therapy may be prescribed to strengthen and stretch the muscles weekend due to immobilization.
Causes of Fibula Fractures
A fibula fracture may be caused by any trauma to the leg, either due to impact by another object, or impact with the ground in a fall. Slip and fall accidents and stairway fall accidents are common causes of all types of leg fractures, including femur fractures, tibia fractures, trimalleolar ankle fractures, and fibula fractures. Other causes of fibula fractures include auto accidents, bicycle accidents, motorcycle accidents, pedestrian accidents, and SUV rollover accidents.
Compensation for Fibula Fracture Injuries
When an accident is the result of another party’s reckless, careless or negligent actions, the victim injured is entitled to be compensated for his or her injuries. The attorneys at Estey & Bomberger have more than 70 years of collective experience helping victims injured in all types of accidents. Our dedicated lawyers have recovered millions of dollars in verdicts and settlements for our satisfied clients – see our case results and client testimonials.
Free Attorney Consultation
Know your legal rights. Before you talk to the insurance adjustor or accept a settlement offer for an accident, contact a lawyer for a free consultation. An attorney can explain your legal rights, options, and responsibilities following your accident, and help you obtain the maximum compensation you are entitled to for a fibula fracture and any other serious injuries, including your medical expenses, lost earnings, rehabilitation, and pain and suffering. To speak to a California personal injury attorney at Estey & Bomberger about your potential case, call (800) 925-0723. If we represent you in your claim, we will not charge any fees unless we recover compensation for you.