Diaphyseal Tibial Fractures

Tibia fractures are very common, accounting for 17% of all lower extremity fractures and are often associated with high energy trauma. The unique soft tissue coverage makes these injuries more prone to open fractures. Patient evaluation requires a thorough systemic evaluation, attentive soft tissue management, precise radiographic evaluation, and adequate fracture reduction and fixation. This chapter summarizes the current epidemiology and pathophysiology, applied anatomy, and the most commonly used classification systems of tibial fractures. It gives an outline of the initial clinical and radiologic assessment as well as an overview of surgical and nonsurgical treatment options, including the author’s suggested treatment algorithms.