Tibia fractures. An overview of evaluation and treatment.

The purpose of this article is to increase the reader's knowledge of tibial fractures, which are infrequently life threatening but are often life changing. The focus is on the continuum of care, starting with the mechanism of injury, classification of the tibial fracture and soft tissue involvement, approaches to stabilization and treatment options, postoperative care, potential complications, and considerations to discharge preparation. The parameters of nursing care extend to pain relief and positioning, nerve and vascular assessments, safe mobility, self-care, and prevention of complications.