Toddler’s fractures: Like they are named, these fractures in the tibia happen in kids 1-3 years old. They are often the result of simple twist and fall while walking or running. These are often treated in either a cast or walker boot. It is safe to try and walk in the cast as soon as your child feels comfortable. A non-skid sock over the bottom of the cast can make this safer. Most kids feel better and no longer need a boot or cast anywhere from 1-3 weeks.
Tibia shaft fractures: Children a little older than toddlers with a fracture in the tibia will usually be treated in a long-leg cast, which means it goes above the knee. In most cases, the child will be able to bear some weight in the cast 3-4 weeks after injury. At some point, the cast may be converted to a short-leg (below-the-knee) walking cast, or a walker boot.
Be aware that a limp may persist for several weeks after the cast is removed but will get better!
Tibial tubercle fractures
These are fractures around the knee where the patella tendon attaches to the lower part of the leg, on the tibia. They most commonly occur when jumping and feeling a pop, especially with basketball players. These are almost always operative injuries, treated with screws to restore the attachment of the patella tendon so that the knee works properly.
Most patients wear a brace for 4-6 weeks after the procedure. We will show you how to unlock when it is time to begin moving the knee. Most patients feel more comfortable keeping it locked so that the knee is straight initially for comfort.
Physical therapy will usually start sometime after week 4 and continue until week 12 after surgery, or longer depending on your needs.
