What is a common complication associated with tibial fractures?

A common complication associated with tibial fractures is indeed deep venous insufficiency. When a tibial fracture occurs, there is a potential for damage to surrounding soft tissues, including veins. The immobilization or limited mobility following a fracture can contribute to venous stasis, which increases the risk for complications such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT). If DVT occurs, it can lead to chronic venous insufficiency, compounding the issues related to mobility and recovery.

The other options, while they may be relevant in the broad context of musculoskeletal injuries or fractures, are less characteristic of tibial fractures specifically. Osteomyelitis can occur in open fractures but is not a direct complication of all tibial fractures. Patellar dislocation is more related to knee injuries rather than fractures of the tibia. Arterial occlusion, while a serious concern in limb injuries overall, is not as commonly associated with isolated tibial fractures compared to the risks of venous complications. Hence, deep venous insufficiency emerges as the more prevalent complication in the context of tibial fractures.