Broken tibia/fibia (shin bone/calf bone)

Pediatric tibia/fibula fractures

Boston Children's Hospital can provide expert diagnosis, treatment and care for fractured tibias/fibulas in children.

What is a fractured tibia/fibula?

The tibia and fibula are two bones in the lower leg. The tibia forms the shin and the fibula forms the calf. Although the tibia and fibula can break (fracture) independently from each other, it is more common for the two bones to break together (this is called a combined tibia/fibula fracture) because they are so close together, especially around the knee and ankle joints. When one bone is injured, it usually affects the other bone too.

The symptoms of a fractured tibia/fibula are serious and need immediate medical attention. With the proper treatment, fractured tibias/fibulas in children can heal completely.
 

Broken tibia/fibula: Reviewed by Travis H. Matheney, MD, MLA
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