Midshaft Fibula Fracture

Patient Information Leaflet

Healing

• This is a break to the middle of the bone on the outside of your leg.
• This normally takes approximately 6 weeks to heal.
• Smoking will slow down your healing.
• We would advise that you stop smoking while your fracture heals.
• Talk to your GP or go to www.smokefree.nhs.uk for more information.

Pain and swelling

• Your leg will be swollen, and you will have some pain.
• Swelling is often worse at the end of the day.
• Taking pain medication, raising your knee and using ice or cold packs will help.
• More information can be found later in this leaflet.
• It is normal to have mild pain and swelling for three to six months.

Walking and your boot

• The boot protects your ankle and will make you more comfortable.
• Wear the boot when you are standing and walking for the first two weeks.
• You can take it off at night and at rest.
• Please let us know if you are diabetic as you may need a special boot.
• You are allowed to put weight through your foot. You may find it easier to use crutches in the early stages.

Exercises

• It is important to start exercises as soon as possible. Exercise instructions are later in this leaflet. Follow up
• You do not usually need another appointment after this injury.
• Please contact the Virtual Fracture Clinic if you still have a lot of pain or swelling after 6 weeks.

Any questions?

• If you are worried about your symptoms, cannot follow this recovery plan, or have pain somewhere other than your ankle, please contact the Virtual Fracture Clinic team.

Caring for your injury

• **Remember to wear your boot whenever standing and walking for the first two weeks.""
• You can remove the boot when resting and at night. Wear a long sock in your boot.
• Remove your boot to wash, dress and do your exercises.
• Try to stop using the boot and crutches after two weeks.
• Practice walking without you boot and crutches around your home first.
• Build up to longer walks outside. You should have stopped using them by six weeks after your injury, at the latest.
• Using a cold pack will help with your pain and swelling.
• You can use an ice pack or bag of frozen peas wrapped in a damp towel.
• Put this on your leg for up to 15 minutes every few hours.
• Make sure the ice is not in direct contact with your skin.
• Try to rest your ankle, especially in the first 24-72 hours.
• Raise your ankle on a stool or cushions so that it is above the level of your hip. This will help to reduce your swelling.

Exercises

• Moving your ankle and foot early is important. It helps your blood flow and lowers the chance of getting a blood clot.
• Do these exercises 3 to 4 times a day. Start them straight away. Stop if they cause pain.

Ankle Exercises

Static Quadriceps Exercise

Inner Range Quads Exercise

Knee Flexion and Extension

Seated knee flexion and extension

Frequently Asked Questions

I am struggling with my boot. What do I do?

• The boot has a thicker sole; this can make you feel uneven.
• Make sure you wear a supportive shoe or trainer on your uninjured foot. This will reduce stress on other joints.
• If you need more advice, contact the Virtual Fracture Clinic.

I am diabetic, does this change things?

• If you have diabetes, please contact us to talk about your boot.
• This is especially important if you have skin problems or cannot feel sensations in your foot.
• We may give you a special boot made for people with diabetes.

When can I start driving?

• You can return to driving when:
  • You are no longer using your boot,
  • You can walk comfortably and
  • You can perform an emergency stop pain free.
  • Always test your ability to drive in a safe environment first.

How can I get a certificate for work?

• You can get a fitness for work statement from your GP.

What do I do with my boot and crutches when I no longer need them?

• We cannot use the boots again, so please do not return your boot to the hospital.
• You can return your crutches to the Fracture Clinic or Accident & Emergency department.

I haven’t received my appointment letter. What do I do?

• Your first appointment will be made by the Virtual Fracture Clinic team.
• If you have not received your appointment letter, please contact us.
• If you need to book a follow up appointment, please contact the booking hub on 020 7288 3310.

With thanks to Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals NHS Trust for kindly sharing their information sheets with us with full permission to use contents and images.