How Is A Tibia Fracture Diagnosed?
If you think you have a tibia fracture, your doctor may refer you to an orthopedist, a specialist who diagnoses and treats abnormalities and injuries in the bones. If you have ankle and foot problems, you can also contact a doctor called a podiatrist who specializes in those areas.
Your doctor will first ask you about your symptoms and a certain incident that may have caused the fracture, such as a collision or a fall. Your doctor will also review your medical history to see if you have any risk factors for a tibia fracture or any. Your doctor will also perform a physical examination to check for:
- Tenderness
- Bruises, especially with lots of blueness and swelling
- Any obvious deformities, such as an abnormal bend or shortening of your leg
- Instability when walking
- Any associated injury to your fibula
After these physical examinations, your doctor will then perform a series of tests to determine your muscle strength and whether you can feel sensation in the lower leg, ankle, and foot. Your doctor may also recommend the following tests to get a visual image of the fracture:
- X-rays
- CT scan
- Bone scan
- MRI scan
Depending on the extent of your injury, you may need emergency surgery. Conditions requiring surgery include the bone penetrating the skin, multiple broken bones, or injury to a major artery or nerve.
A tibial fracture that involves breaking the shin bone can occur due to various causes, including traumatic injuries and medical conditions. It is important to understand that these causes are essential for prevention, early detection, and effective management. Let’s take a look at ten common causes of tibial fractures: