Emily’s Story: Broken Tibia and Fibula – ER to Surgery
Understanding Emergency Care for a Broken Tibia and Fibula
A broken tibia and fibula—the two bones in the lower leg—can be a serious and painful injury, often requiring immediate medical attention. Whether caused by a fall, accident, or other trauma, the emergency response and hospital care for this type of fracture are crucial for proper healing and recovery.
Arrival at the Emergency Room
When a patient arrives at the ER with a suspected tibia and fibula fracture, the medical team will first assess the severity of the injury. This includes checking for open wounds, swelling, deformity, and circulation issues. Because these bones play a critical role in mobility and weight-bearing, a prompt and accurate diagnosis is necessary.
Diagnostic Tests
The following tests are commonly used to confirm and evaluate the extent of the break:
- X-rays: The primary imaging tool to determine the location and type of fracture.
- CT Scan: Used if more detailed images are needed, especially for complex fractures.
- MRI: Occasionally performed to assess soft tissue, ligament, or muscle damage.
- Vascular Tests: If blood flow to the leg is a concern, tests may be conducted to ensure proper circulation.
Treatment in the Hospital
Once diagnosed, the medical team will determine the appropriate treatment. The course of action depends on factors such as whether the fracture is open or closed, displaced, or if it involves any complications.
The Role of an Aging Life Care Manager®
Aging Life Care Managers® play a vital role in supporting patients and their families through the hospital stay and treatment process. Their responsibilities include:
Once a patient is stabilized post-surgery, discussions begin about the next steps, including rehabilitation and long-term recovery. An Aging Life Care Manager® ensures that all necessary arrangements are in place, helping the patient transition smoothly to the next phase of care.
Emily’s Journey After a Serious Leg Injury
We are going to be sharing the story of how Emily navigated her recovery from a broken leg with the help of an Aging Life Care Manager®. Check back next month to read the next step of Emily’s journey to recovery!
Emily never expected to be in this situation but here she was.
The Diagnosis and Surgery
The first step at the ER was to confirm that she had broken both her tibia and fibula. An X-ray showed that the fractures were severe, requiring surgery. Ben, her son, sat beside her, trying to stay calm as the surgeon explained the procedure. “We’ll need to place a metal rod in the tibia to stabilize the bone,” he said. “You won’t be able to put weight on your leg for at least 12 weeks, and rehab will be critical to your recovery. Building your strength will be key to getting around your home when you do get there.”
Emily’s surgery was a success, but the reality of her condition hit hard when she woke up. She couldn’t lift her leg, because the weight of the external fixator (halo) was more than she expected. She was numb so didn’t feel any pain right now but she knew that anesthesia was going to wear off soon and she would feel it. She was going to need a lot of help to get through this and was going to need to learn how to adjust her way of doing things.
The Role of the Aging Life Care Manager®
Ben, overwhelmed by what would come next for his mom, called Infinity Care, and an Aging Life Care Manager® arrived at the hospital to help.
“We’re going to take this step by step, and help everyone involved.” the care manager assured them. “First, we’ll focus on getting you through the hospital stay and will work on discharge options when we have a better idea of the timing for those decisions.”
Together, they discussed the next steps:
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- The importance of coping therapies: Physical and occupational therapy would start with Emily in the hospital. They would show her strengthening exercises she could start now and they would help her learn how she could assist with her transfers to the toilet and wheelchair.
- Managing frustration: Losing independence was tough, but her care manager helped her reframe her mindset to focusing on small victories. She also picked up a journal for Emily so that she could write her frustrations and her accomplishments for each day. This way she could refer back to the journey and reflect on how much hard work she had put in.
- Home modifications for the future: The care manager met Ben at Emily’s house to review the concerns for the return home and see what they might need to do for modifications. Working on this now meant the home would be safer after Emily finished her rehabilitation. The biggest need was a wheelchair ramp and the care manager would reach out to a few contacts to get some options for Ben and Emily to review and decide.
Looking Ahead
Emily felt an unexpected sense of relief. With a structured plan and professional guidance, she realized she wasn’t alone in this journey. Though she knew recovery would take time, possibly a year to feel fully normal again, she also knew she had a team supporting her every step of the way. With the right support, she would regain her independence, one step at a time.
Ben, too, felt comforted. He no longer had to figure everything out on his own. With the care manager coordinating transition from hospital to rehab and eventually back home, he could focus on simply being there for his mom.