What Are Fibular Fractures?

Written by Alicia Racelis, PhD, Amanda Gonzalez
Medically Reviewed by Zilpah Sheikh, MD on June 03, 2025
9 min read

The fibula is the longest, thinnest calf bone in your lower leg. Of your two lower leg bones, your fibula is closest to the outside of your body. When you break this bone, it's called a fibular fracture. 

Your fibula starts just under your knee and runs down to your ankle. It helps keep your lower leg stable and gives your calf structure. Your fibula supports tendons, nerves, muscles, and ligaments. The bone mainly supports your tibia (shin bone). It helps you stand up and move around, too.

What's the purpose of a fibula?

Your fibula meets the tibia just below the knee. The end of your fibula (also called its head) moves with the tibia as your knee joint moves.

Shaped like a three-sided prism, the shaft is the longest part of your fibula. It makes up your calf's structure. Your fibula forms the top of your ankle joint. It connects your anklebone to your tibia. 

Your fibula provides:

  • Ankle support 
  • Support for your muscles and tendons in your legs and ankles
  • Lower leg and calf support
  • Lower leg and calf structures
  • Upper leg bones and knee ligament structures
  • Lower leg bone structure
  • Connection for your lower and upper leg bones

F‌ibular fracture

The fibula is a bone in the lower leg stretching from your knee to ankle. It's visible from the outside. It supports your ankle and lower leg muscles. Yourfemur (thigh bone) and tibia are stronger and thicker. That's why it's more common to break (fracture) your fibula.

A fibular fracture is a break to your fibula caused by a forceful impact. The impact often breaks your fibula right above the ankle. It can also happen when there's more pressure or stress on the bone. As you get older, wear and tear on your bones can lead to osteoporosis. 

And osteoporosis can raise your risk for weaker bones. Repeated exercises such as lifting weights can cause a fibular stress fracture. With fibular fracture, you may need surgery and physical therapy to fully recover. 

‌Fibular fractures are a common injury seen in the ER. The fracture may cause the bone to break into two pieces or several smaller ones.

‌There are different types of fibular fractures. There are three main ways to classify your fibula fracture. 

Some doctors focus on your ankle as a ring structure. If you have one break in your fibula, you'll likely heal without surgery. But with more than one break, the ring of bone around your ankle can be unstable. In this case, you may need surgery to fully recover.

Doctors may also classify the fracture based on your foot's position,. They may also describe where and how your bone broke.

Here are some types of fibular fractures:

Comminuted and segmental fractures. Your bone can fracture in multiple (comminuted) or two places (segmental), if you:

  • Fall directly on your fibula
  • Have a car accident
  • Are older and have osteoporosis
  • Have an unsteady gait

Oblique and transverse fractures. Crush injuries can cause diagonal (oblique) breaks. But falls usually cause complete fibular (transverse) breaks.

Lateral malleolus fractures. These are fibular fractures that take place at the ankle.

‌Fibular head fractures. These fractures occur at the knee of your fibula bone.

‌Fibular shaft fractures. These are fractures seen in the middle of the fibula bone.

Inversion fracture. This can happen when you twist your ankle inward. It's one of the most common types of fibula breaks. It often leads to a spiral fracture pattern.‌

Maisonneuve fracture. This type of spiral fracture can happen when you twist your ankle outward.

Avulsion fracture. It takes place when a part of the bone is pulled away by the tendon or ligament. 

Open fracture. Also called a compound fracture, your fibula can break the skin. This serious fracture can create an open wound.

‌Stress fractures.Stress fractures are a result of repeated stress to your bone. A force that pushes (compresses) on your fibula can also cause stress fractures. But the most common stress fractures happen from sports. 

Activities that can cause fibular fractures include:

  • Downhill sports such as snowboarding and skiing
  • Football
  • Soccer
  • Rugby
  • Basketball
  • Tennis
  • Gymnastics
  • Dance
  • Track and field

Fibular breaks usually happen because of a twist or blow to your lower leg. The twisting motion can rotate your fibula if your foot is planted on the ground. As you fall, the rotation can cause a spiral fracture. 

Other causes and risk factors for fibular fractures include:

High-energy injuries. Forceful blows to your fibula can also break the bone. The blow usually breaks your fibula diagonally (transverse). These include injuries caused by motor vehicle accidents, for example, or gunshot wounds.

O‌lder age. With osteoporosis and an unsteady gait, older adults may have a higher fall risk. If they fall directly on the fibula, it can break.

Stress injuries. Repetitive use, compression, or vibration can fracture your fibula.

Low-energy injuries. These include simple, ground-level falls or sports injuries that athletes usually experience.

Twisting injuries. If your ankle turns outward or inward, it can fracture your fibula.

Pain, swelling, and tenderness are common fibula fracture symptoms.

‌With a fibula break, you can have:

  • ‌Pain or aches on your fibular fracture
  • ‌Tenderness, swelling, or bruising
  • A shorter leg (the one with the break) or angled
  • ‌Visible signs of deformity, cuts,‌ or a bump on your leg
  • Problems bearing weight or taking any form of pressure on your injured leg 
  • ‌Sensations of coldness, tingling, or numbness in your foot
  • ‌Bleeding or bruising at the site of your fracture
  • ‌Pain that gets worse when you move your leg
  • ‌Trouble walking

Fibular fractures are usually treated as emergencies. Seek medical care as soon as possible if you think you've fractured your fibula. ‌

Your fracture may need immediate treatment, if you have:

  • A crush injury
  • An open wound
  • Nerve problems
  • A shorter leg
  • A displaced bone (moves out of alignment)
  • A fracture requiring surgery, such as one involving the knee or ankle joint

Call 911 or your local emergency helpline number if you've had a high-energy injury (such as a motor vehicle accident or gunshot wound). 

Get medical help right away, if you have: 

  • Trouble breathing or are not able to respond or move
  • A lot of bleeding
  • ‌Pain with even gentle pressure or touch
  • Visible deformities or a bump on your leg
  • ‌A bone coming out through your skin
  • Numb toes or they look bluish

Your doctor will do a physical exam to look at lower leg changes. They'll also order imaging tests to check for fractured or displaced bones. Displaced bones are any bones out of alignment. Your doctor may also order an MRI to check the interior bones and soft tissues. 

Then, they'll review your imaging scans and test results. These help your doctor decide on the best treatment for your injury. Here are some common tests you may get:

Physical exam. Your doctor will carry out a complete physical exam. Typically, this first stage of diagnosis includes looking for signs of deformities. Your doctor carefully feels your leg bone and joint surfaces. They'll also test your muscle weakness, reflexes, and range of motion.

X-ray. Your doctor may order X-rays. The images can help get a better look at your injury. X-rays can see if you have a fracture or dislocation. A dislocation is when the bone moves out of its original location.

CT scan, bone scan, or MRI. Your doctor may order a CT scan, bone scan, or MRI. These imaging scans can identify fractures not visible using X-rays. These scans can look inside of your bones and soft tissues, too.

Additional tests. Other tests such as an angiogram or a special x-ray of your blood vessels may be ordered. These tests can find out if there's tissue damage around your bone.‌

If required, your doctor may refer you to an orthopedic surgeon. This doctor specializes in treating muscles and bones.

‌It usually takes six to eight weeks to recover from a fracture. But healing time is different for everyone. Most often, your doctor will keep your fibula from moving for up to four weeks. This helps your bones heal. Sometimes, your doctor may suggest a surgery. 

At your follow-up visit, your doctor may take X-rays. The imaging test can see how well your bone is healing. When you're able to start moving your leg or ankle, your doctor may suggest physical therapy. 

These exercises are also called rehabilitation. It's important to keep up with your exercises. They can help you heal faster, remove stiffness, and improve your range of motion. ‌

‌Ask your doctor when you can resume normal activity. They'll tell you when you can do weight-bearing exercises, too. Also, ask for your doctor's advice before you get back to sports activities.‌

Treatment for a fibular fracture can depend on the type of fracture. Getting medical attention as soon as possible helps you get back on track and make a full recovery. It also can ensure you won't injure your bone further. Starting treatment right away can help you recover faster. 

Here are some common treatments:

Keep it cool and elevated. Apply ice to the injured area, and keep your leg up right after the accident. 

Immobilize your leg. In most cases of fibular fracture, using crutches, a walking boot, or a brace can help immobilize your lower leg. If you've fractured your fibula near your ankle, your doctor will likely keep your leg from moving. You may get an air cast or one made of plaster or fiberglass. 

Have surgery. If your fibular fracture involves your knee and the tibia, you'll likely need to see an orthopedic surgeon.

Rest and stay off your leg. Stress fractures are typically treated without surgery. These injuries often heal on their own. Your doctor may suggest rest and that you avoid weight bearing activities. With stress fractures, you're at a lower risk for complications. But some problems can include:

  • Long-term pain
  • Chronic swelling
  • Permanent damage to blood vessels around your ankle joint

Try physical therapy. Stretching and regular exercises can strengthen your leg. Your doctor may suggest rehabilitation even if you don't need surgery. Water exercises such as swimming are great to rehabilitate, too. The exercises can strengthen a weak fibula. Talk with your medical professional about the best exercises to help you recover.

Take medications as directed.‌Your doctor may prescribe medication to help manage any pain or inflammation. Add vitamins to your regular routine. Your doctor may suggest these treatments along with your regular osteoporosis medications.

Can I prevent reinjury to my fibula?

Your body needs time to repair and heal your injury. It can take up to eight weeks. Be patient and follow your doctor's advice. This can help you avoid reinjuring yourself. And you'll recover faster.

In the meantime, follow these safety tips:

  • Wear your seatbelt.
  • Wear protective gear during sports.
  • Regularly exercise to lower your fall and accident risks.
  • Remove any clutter to lower your risk for trips and falls.
  • Use your cane or walker, if you have one.
  • Talk to your doctor about a bone density test if you're older than 50 or have an osteoporosis history.

How serious is a fractured fibula?

Because your fibula doesn't bear all your weight, it isn't as serious as a broken tibia. But a fibula fracture is still serious. So, if you think you've broken your fibula, get it looked at right away.

Can a fractured fibula heal without a cast?

Yes, but it depends on the type of fracture and where your fibula breaks. For example, some minor fractures near your ankle can heal without a cast. These breaks can sometimes heal with an air splint.

How long does a fibula fracture take to heal?

Most fibula fractures heal after six to eight weeks. But it can depend on the type of fibula fracture you have. If you need surgery or have complications, it may take longer.

Can you walk on a fractured fibula?

Yes, sometimes you can walk on a fractured fibula. That's because your fibula is the smaller leg bone. It doesn't hold all your body's weight. The fibula only carries about 10% of your weight. Most of your body's weight is supported by the larger leg bone, your tibia (shin bone).