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  • Q&A with Australian Health Practitioners

    What are the treatment options for tibia fracture for my 5 years old daughter?

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    Orthopaedics
    My 5 year old daughter suffered a tibia fracture (Oblique fracture through the distal shaft of the right tibia with minimal bruising and swelling) for her right leg while riding a scooter at school yesterday. She now has a long leg backslab applied by a physio in ED. She is practicing using the walking clutches at present. My question is what sort of care plan I can apply to her for her full recovery. How long does she need to wear the plaster for? Normally when can she return to school? What support we can expect to obtain from the school?
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    Dr Simon Zilko

    Orthopaedic Surgeon

    Dr Simon Zilko - Foot & Ankle Orthopaedic Surgeon Dr Simon Zilko is a locally and internationally trained consultant orthopaedic surgeon who specialises in all … View Profile

    If the fracture remains in a good position, she'll need to be in the plaster cast for 6-8 weeks (depending on xray appearances of healing, and pain). She'll need to be non-weightbearing during this time. Children around 5 are on the borderline of being old enough to use crutches - if she struggles to coordinate hopping around with the crutches she may need a wheelchair with a leg board. You'll have to talk to your school about what they can accommodate, but they might well suggest she stay at home for safety reasons.

    Once she's out of the plaster, with evidence of healing on xrays, we generally let kids weight bear as tolerated. It's very rare for a paediatric fracture like this not to heal very well, and it shouldn't cause her any problems in the future.

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