Question

question 16 (1 point)
your x - ray examination reveals that you have fractured your fibula. your physician remarks, \well, its better than breaking your tibia.\ explain why a fracture of the tibia would be worse than a fracture of the fibula.
the tibia supports more weight than the fibula, and there is less soft tissue around the bone so the break is often an open fracture more susceptible to infection.
tibia fractures can only be repaired with plates and screws.
because the tibia and fibula are connected with an interosseous membrane, fracture of the tibia is almost always accompanied by fracture of the fibula.
the tibia articulates with the talus to form the ankle joint, so fractures of the distal tibia can also cause ligament damage in the ankle.

Explanation:

The tibia is the main weight - bearing bone of the lower leg. It supports more weight than the fibula. Also, there is less soft tissue around the tibia. When it breaks, it is often an open fracture (where the bone pierces the skin). Open fractures are more susceptible to infection as the wound is exposed to the external environment.

Answer:

The tibia supports more weight than the fibula, and there is less soft tissue around the bone so the break is often an open fracture more susceptible to infection.