Spiral fracture of tibia

[lynnetripmum]

My 10 yr old son, has a spiral fracture of his tibia, he has been in plaster for 5 weeks tomorrow.

We have been to Fracture clinic today and the consultant seems happy with the healing and will see him again in 2 weeks. He did mention that his bone is slightly out 5%, but as he is a child he should be ok, i would not be worried if it were his arm, legs........i am not so sure. The question is; have we anything to worry about?


Thanks

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[lynnetripmum]

and also, will he require physio when the plaster is removed?

Thanks Very much

[pudding_bowl]

He will need physio but as he's only 10 he'll heal quickly and won't need much - children heal very quickly. Because the plaster will be immobilising joints, the muscles will loose strength and the joints will become stiff. He will need appropriate exercises to get him back to 100 %.
As for it being out by 5 % - what does that mean? does he mean it's going to be shorter? or does he mean it's changed the angle of the tibia? - likely he is referring to the size of the tibia - this is common as the other side will continue to grow while the fracture side won't until the fracture reunites... if you think about the size of a 10 year olds tibia and take 5 % of that, it's not going to amount to much. Most people have some level of leg length discrepancy and its generally asympomatic. if he gets back pain in the future or something related to the leg length difference then he can get a larger heel put on his shoe etc to correct it. my father broke his tib when he was 4 and has had a shorter leg his whole life but never had any problems from it.
I think you can be pretty happy for now... there is potential for the injury to be problematic but make sure he sees a physio and they can guide you through it.

[lynnetripmum]

thank you!

I appreciate your response!

Harry's leg is coming out of plaster after 7 long weeks on thurs - if the xrays show its all mended!. Luckily we have nhs in uk so he should be referred for physio on thurs too.


As for the 5 % i think they meant the angle, but as his fib is in tact it shoul act as a splint and grow straight eventually....just needed someone to agree!

Will keep you posted

Lynne