According to Dr. Nguyen Duong Phi, Department of Orthopedic Trauma - Burns - Plastic Surgery, City Children's Hospital, the tibia (also known as the tibia) is one of the two large bones in the lower leg, playing an important role in bearing weight and supporting the body's movement.
This bone can crack or break when subjected to a large external force. In children, tibia fractures often occur due to accidents such as falls while playing or strong impacts during sports activities. This is also one of the most fragile bones in the body.
Treatment of tibial fractures in children should be evaluated based on various factors such as the extent of soft tissue damage, the cause of the injury, medical history (if any), and other associated injuries (such as fibula fractures).
After considering these factors, the doctor will recommend the appropriate treatment. Some typical cases include:
Non-displaced fractures: Children are usually placed in a cast for 6-8 weeks to immobilize the bone. After this time, the bone begins to heal and the child can return to light activities.
Complex or displaced fractures: In these cases, surgery is necessary to ensure the bones are fixed in the correct position. Modern techniques, such as percutaneous fixation with a C-arm, help children recover more quickly.
Typically, it takes 3-4 months for a child to fully recover and be able to move around normally. During this period, parents need to support their child in participating in post-treatment rehabilitation programs.
However, if the child does not receive timely intervention, the tibia fracture can leave many dangerous sequelae and complications. Common complications include:
Infection: This can occur with an open fracture or after surgery to fix the bone. Infection slows healing and needs to be treated with antibiotics.
Bone deformity: If the bone does not heal properly or becomes displaced, the leg may become bowed or shorter.
Compartment syndrome: This is a condition where pressure within a muscle compartment increases, causing severe pain and restricting blood circulation. This is a medical emergency that requires immediate treatment.
Pseudoarthritis: This condition occurs when the bone does not heal completely or heals slowly, causing prolonged pain and reduced mobility.
“The recovery period after surgery or conservative treatment is a crucial time. Parents need to strictly follow the instructions of the orthopedist in their child's case.
“It is essential to follow instructions on knee movement, weight bearing, and the use of support devices such as splints or casts to ensure a smooth recovery process,” Dr. Duong Phi emphasized.
