Spiral Fracture of Tibia

[Doonhamer]

My 14 YO son has broken his tibia. It's a spiral fracture about 1/3 of the way from the bottom. There was some swelling for the first couple of days but now it is fine. He has a full leg cast and is still in a bit of pain 5 days after the injury. This stops him moving much because he can't put his leg out in front of him due to the pain. He has no tissue or tendon damage, the fibula is OK. The doctor could not quite get his foot into the correct position while the cast was setting but says it will be OK. He is going to cut a circle round the cast at the break in 2 weeks time and try to turn the foot a few degrees to get it perfect then reset the cast, but says it won't be painful as the bone will be "sticky" then at the break!

I have a few questions.

How long will he likely be in the cast?
Is it likely with this type or break that a half cast could be applied after a few weeks?
After the cast is removed, how soon is it likely he could run/play sports?

[physio.smith]

Casts commonly on for 6-8/52, but really depends on the type of fracture, location, healing that goes on etc... Doctor should tell you how long the plaster will be on for...this can change though, sometimes on longer than initially thought due to healing process and fractures stability.

Spiral fractures can be problematic as they can slip and overlap, thus often full leg cast for longer than you feel may be necessary. A full cast stops the knee moving, which in turn limits the amount the tibia moves even more....thus protecting the fracture. Generally the doctors will re-xray, assess how well it is healing and may then reduce the cast. The main thing is to listen to the doctor in terms of weightbearing.

Once they are happy with the healing of the break and the plaster is off and full weightbearing is happening, then build up of activity can begin. Be guided by a therapist though...you don't want to run too quick, when you may not have full movement, strength or balance back. You don't want to develope commensations and bad habits if you can help it.

Sorry can not be more specific...be guided by your specialist and therapists. Ask them the questions and hopefully they will have the answers for you.

Good Luck