There are a number of leg injuries that can occur as a result of an auto accident. One of these injuries that I have seen that many people have never heard of is a tibial plateau and fibular fracture. This is a very specific injury that can only occur in one small area below the knee cap. In the case of a serious car crash, the tibial plateau can be at risk of injury if it sustains a direct force from the collision. Located right where the tibia and fibula connect to the femur, a fractured tibial plateau can lead to high medical bills and potential future injuries.
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The tibial plateau is located at the top of the shin bone, and makes up part of the cartilage of the knee joint. Because it is located by a joint, this injury requires different treatment than that of a normal tibial fracture. The plateau’s proximity to the knee joint poses the potential for the development of arthritis when it is fractured. Depending on the extent of the fracture, this injury may require surgery. Even if surgery is not needed, the injured victim may be required to take up to three months off from walking. When the fracture fully displaces the bone, surgery is necessary to heal. Plates and screws are often used to hold the bone in place and allow it to mend over time. It may take up to several months for this injury to heal, and the patient is not allowed to put weight on the injured leg during this time.
A fracture in the tibial plateau or upper fibula can lead to very high medical bills, and make it very difficult to lead a normal life while healing. If you sustain this kind of injury as the result of someone else’s negligence, then you should seek the advice of an experienced Washington injury attorney as soon as possible. Here at Premier Law Group, we offer free initial consultations, so you can get the advice you need without having to pay a dime.