The fibula is the outer of the two bones in the leg.The fibula is a very slender bone and does not enter into the formation of the knee joint, being merely attached to its neighbor, the strong "shin bone."
At its ankle end, however, it is quite thick, forming the knob like bulge on the outer side of this joint.This thickened lower end (external malleolus) does help somewhat in forming the ankle joint by its being attached and connected, with ligaments, to the saddle bone (astragalus) of the foot.
The fibula,being so slender, is easily fractured by forceful injury to the outer side of the leg.The middle and lower parts are often fractured when its partner, the tibia , goes broke.
In twisting the ankle , as in missing a step or jumping down from a by cycle, the fibula will often break about three inches above the ankle and all by itself, without injury to any other bone but with a tearing of the ligaments (pott's fracture)
Because the shin bone is powerful and takes the most part in forming the ankle joint, a fracture of the lower ens of the fibula will often be mistaken for a sprained ankle and a gritty person will even walk around with it a day or two.
Pott's fracture is caused by a forceful outward twist can occasion a fracture as well.In the case of a very forceful inward twist, the fibula breaks at its lowest end, and sometimes in this case the inner knob of the ankle will also be broken off.
These fractures need careful treatment, and the foot will have to be in a plaster cast for about five weeks in order to prevent deformity of the foot.
Take no chances with this type of injury, do not walk until an X -ray has been taken and the absence of a fracture assured. Of course when both bones of the leg are broken, walking will be impossible, for the severe swelling, pain and disability make it impossible.
In all such cases the leg should not be forcefully stretched by the layman.Just straighten the leg by a very gentle pull at the foot, and tie the leg up in a cushion or in splints, or if neither is around, tie the injured leg to the good one , making it act as a splint, and get the patient to a doctor or hospital
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