As the other component of the lower leg together with the tibia, the fibula can be subject to a simple or more complex fracture. Like the tibia, a fibula fracture occurs following a twisting motion or direct impact during high-energy trauma.
If the trauma has resulted in a minor fracture, the bone can heal itself by the patient wearing a cast or splint. With open or comminuted (multifragmentary) fractures, or when these occur in combination with a tibia fracture, torn ankle ligaments or medial malleolus fractures(Maisonneuve fracture), surgery is required in most cases, to secure all the damaged bone ends together with plates and screws. The injury site is then immobilized with a cast to ensure healing.