Hairline fracture of the fibula and no cast or boot...?

Question

Hello, 6 days ago I fractured my ankle (hairline fracture at the bottom tip of the fibula). They gave me a temporary cast at the emergency room and a day later an orthopedic surgeon gave me a splinter looking thing (long padded "boards" on each side of my leg held by two straps that wrap around my leg with velcro). My ankle has full movility with this, but it does protect the tender spot in case I hit it accidentally. My ankle is swollen and black but I'm in no pain unless I put pressure on my foot or touch the area. But I keep reading that people with similar fractures are immovilized with a cast or a boot. I was wondering if anyone had a similar breakage and what was used on the ankle... Thanks.

Answer 1

Okay...your doctor did the right thing. The fibula is the small bone in your lower leg and is not the main weight-bearing bone. A hairline fracture is usually not cause for a cast. I broke the ulna in my arm last summer (hairline) and I did not wear a cast.

The bone should heal completely within about 4 weeks. You should try to keep most of your weight off that leg. If your pain level is still high, talk to your doctor to see if you might need additional support.

Are you using crutches? They may not be necessary but that would be your doctor's decision. Also, putting a cast on a swollen extremity is not a good idea since if swells more, the cast could cut off circulation. He may be waiting for the swelling to go down.

Remember RICE...rest, ice, cold, elevation.

Answer 2

Fibula Stress Fracture

Answer 3

Stress Fracture Fibula

Answer 4

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RE:
Hairline fracture of the fibula and no cast or boot...?
Hello, 6 days ago I fractured my ankle (hairline fracture at the bottom tip of the fibula). They gave me a temporary cast at the emergency room and a day later an orthopedic surgeon gave me a splinter looking thing (long padded "boards" on each side of my leg held by two straps that wrap...

Answer 5

I went to urgent care because I could barely stand on my right foot. They said my ankle was fine but there is a possible hairline fracture of the distal fibula. They put a splint on my leg but I don't have the arm strength to use crutches so I have to put some weight on my foot when I go from the recliner to my desk chair I'm using as a make shift wheelchair. When I lift my leg to put the pillows and blanket under that I'm using to elevate it, it hurts worse. When I tried ice it made it worse too. What can be done??? I have an appointment with my doctor but not until Friday. Urgent care told me to go to an orthopedist but to check with my doc for a referral. My docs office will not give that with out seeing me first. I guess I'll be suffering for a long time.

Answer 6

Sometimes the Dr does nothing for a fib fracture. It bears only about 10% of the weight & the tibia bears 90%. Just take it easy. A hairline fracture will probably be totally healed in afew weeks. Oh, & ice & elevate to keep the swelling down.

Answer 7

I do know that the fibula is not a major weight-bearing bone, so this may be all you need to make sure the fracture doesn't get worse or displace or anything.

Answer 8

Sounds like you're in an Aircast (or imitation of). Standard procedure. Not unusual fo a major college or NFL player to keep playing with a fibular stress fracture by using an Aircast.

Answer 9

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I wouldn't presume to question a doctors opinion on this forum but I would definitely go to another doctor or an ER, if only because it is still swollen and hurting. Without delay.

Answer 10

Thank You guys/gals for your answers, I just found out I have a hairline crack also...OH, this is so much fun.