When a spiral fracture of the tibia has been diagnosed, doctors have a number of options in treating it. One of them is to set the fracture and apply a cast to the lower leg and ankle of the injured person. Another treatment option is to operate on the affected limb and insert pins into the bone to hold it in place.

A spiral fracture occurs when a bone is twisted, causing it to break. This type of injury is quite common among young children, who may become injured by falling when learning how to walk. Also known as a toddler’s fracture, the injury may occur if the youngster loses his or her balance when putting a foot down. Twisting injuries of the tibia may also occur in older children and adults from a fall. Skiing is one example of an activity which can lead to a spiral fracture of the tibia.

Before choosing a treatment option for a spiral fracture of the tibia, the limb will need to be examined by a doctor. An x-ray may be ordered to confirm that a fracture has occurred and to determine whether it is a spiral or other type of injury. If the fracture resulted in a break in the skin, the wound will need to be treated as well.

Once the x-ray has been completed, the spiral fracture of the tibia must be set to position the bone back into place. The patient may be given pain medication to help him or her to remain still during this part of the procedure. The cast is applied to the leg to secure the fracture, and it will extend to the foot and ankle. The patient will be given instructions for caring for the cast and when it should be removed. The patient will also be given some instructions about when to start doing some simple exercises, such as wiggling the toes, to help with the rehabilitation process following the injury.

If the doctor determines that surgery is warranted to treat the injury, the patient will be taken to an operating room for the procedure. An orthopedic surgeon will probably perform the procedure to treat the spiral fracture of the tibia, since this type of injury falls within that area of medicine. The doctor will place pins, plates and screws in place as required and then close the incision. The patient will recuperate in the hospital before being allowed to go home.