What Is the Fibula?
The larger bone of the lower leg (called the tibia) carries most of the body weight.
The fibula’s primary function is to help keep the ankle joint stable.
Verywell / Brianna Gilmartin
The fibula does little to support the weight of the body.
Still, it performs important functions as it is where ligaments attach to both the knee and ankle joints.
Many isolated fibula fractures are treated with a procedure calledclosed reduction and immobilization.
If possible, the orthopedist will realign your bones without surgery.
If this is not possible, surgery may be needed.
Options include:
While isolated fibula fractures usually heal quickly, complex injuries may need further treatment.
Wound healing may be especially troublesome for smokers and people with diabetes or arthritis.
Pain associated with implanted hardware is not uncommon.
As a result, some people choose to have plates and screws removed after the fracture has healed.
As can occur with all surgeries, infection is possible.
If treated appropriately, there are seldom any long-term limitations.
Summary
A fibula fracture involves an injury to the smaller of two bones in your lower leg.
Most of the time, fibula fractures happen near the ankle joint.
Repetitive stress fractures are also common.
In severe cases, the tibia or ligaments are also damaged.
Symptoms include pain on the outside of the leg, swelling, and bruising.
The treatment will depend on where and how bad the injury is.
A brace or cast can keep your leg stable while the fracture heals.
If the injury is severe, you may need surgery to realign the bones.
Recovery from an isolated fibular fracture usually takes six to eight weeks.
Canton G, Sborgia A, Maritan G, et al.Fibula fractures management.World J Orthop.
2019;364:k5432.
