Tibial Plateau Fracture Recovery

[himavan]

Is anyone interested in compiling all the PT exercises they are doing? I know all our injuries are a bit different in type and severity, but I'm really curious what else you all are doing. And a bunch of people have asked about this (especially those of us who don't have insurance). Not sure if I can properly articulate what I did, but I'll try:

Within a couple days of my surgery: They had me on a CPM machine, which I highly recommend. After I left the hospital I rented one, and used it 8 hrs a day for two weeks. Granted that sucked, but my flexion increased dramatically from 20 degrees to around 100 or 105 in those two weeks. This was huge, because after 18 days in the hospital my leg had become crazy stiff.
-I was also doing ankle flexion - up and down.
-Lying on my back, my wife would hold my leg, bending it, knee towards my head.
-Lying on my stomach, leg straight, then bending heel towards head to build hamstring. At first I couldn't lift at all and my wife would assist. As I improved I would have her push a bit on my heel with bent leg to give a deep stretch to the quads just above my knee. (I now do this myself, adding ankle weights, and a yoga strap around a towel wrapped around my shin so I can stretch the leg myself).
-lying or sitting, simply flexing my quads and attempting to stabilize my knee cap.
-abductor exercises. First with some assistance, sitting and with legs/feet together and moving my leg to the side. Later I switched to lying on my side and doing leg raises.
-also I always slept with my leg straight, with only a pillow under my ankle. My doctor really wanted me to work on and maintain extension from the very beginning. It felt more comfortable to have a pillow under my knee, but he insisted I don't do that.

I started PT at 8 weeks. The therapist had me:
-reclining, with a large roll/bolster kind of thing under my thigh, doing leg raises to build the small muscles around my knee. Adding electrical stimulation. I usually hold the leg straight for 10-15 seconds.
-sitting at the edge of a table, doing full leg extensions (from bent to straight) with electrical stimulation.
-scooting up to a wall, extending legs up and down the wall from bent to straight (I also use the wall in bent leg position to work on my flexion)
- sitting at edge of seat, bare feet on a towel on the ground - and then sliding the towel out and trying to push toes to ground, and then sliding towel in and trying to keep heel on the ground (to increase foot ROM)
- same position with feet on towel, and trying to grasp the towel with the toes and then raising and flexing the toes (i've really struggled with my toes - first with their flexibility, but more so that the muscles helping with that in my lower leg were totally destroyed)
-using an exercise ball. First with heels on ball, rolling towards butt to gain flexion. Now I also press down on the ball with heels, when bent and straight, to build hamstrings.
-sitting on chair, with rubber cord about heels, and attached to table leg. Than drawing legs in to develop hamstring.
-just started riding the stationary bike this week
-pool walking - forward, backward, and side to side. I started swimming 100 yrds. Then walking forwards for 25. Then backwards and side to side for 25. Then repeat - 100 yrds swimming...etc.
Swimming - and actually being able to move freely (and faster than on crutches) feels amazing.

I've been lazy about doing other kinds of exercise. My pain is mostly gone now (really it does go away, though three months of pain made it feel like it will never end). But trying to do some upper body stuff too. Even just a couple sets of push ups, sit ups, etc. And trying not to eat too much ice cream, cookies, and chocolate croissants. My sweet tooth has gone nuts lately, and I don't know why. Maybe its being off the narcotics.

[gameface25]

This is a Test because my last post was deleted.

[vaper]

well i'm gonna be 5 weeks post-op on tuesday and my leg feels great! it feels really stable, but i have a few questions. if your leg doesn't hurt when you put pressure on it, could you still be doing damage? i've walked in waist-deep water already and while it feels a little strange bc i haven't walked on it so long, it didn't really take any effort and doesn't hurt at all. i also always put my foot down for balance, is that okay? i'm not putting full weight on it or anything, it's just bc i hate having to always be on one leg. i still haven't taken any painkillers since 2 weeks after post-op and have felt minimal to no pain, nothing uncomfortable. i can cross my legs and am over full extension (not to the hyper-extension as my other leg) and am at around 135-140 flexing. i still have a little bit of swelling around my knee, but everywhere else on my leg is completely down. the bruises have almost completely faded as well!

[crystalteras]

It's crazy how that just shows how ppl recover differently or maybe it's just the differences in the injury itself but I'm about 4 1/2 weeks post op and I never wear my brace...I figure I'm probably gonna naturally bend my leg more that pushing myself to do it. I most definitely am not anywhere near you or walking. I've accidently put pressure on my leg a few times but that was to stop me from falling and OMG sooooo much pain! I dont take painkillers too often but thats because my dr prescribe me sleeping meds so i can actually sleep through my pain in my hip, Idk. Hopefully I'll be not having to take pain meds and be able to walk again soon but not too soon! :-) I have a ways to go. So far so good tho.

[iam_ultrasonic]

Is anyone experiencing excruciating pain in the ankle soon after full weight bearing status? I just got put on FWB after 2 months of NWB. My knee is fine, my ankle pain is preventing me from walking normally.

[Dgw3369]

I'm getting foot and ankle pain sense my fwb status. It's been 2weeks sense I was given fwb and the pain is starting to go away. It was my foot,ankle,tibia shaft that all hurt. Not the knee. It's a coming thing amongst us being that we were nwb for so long. Fight threw it and it will get better. You need to keep walking on it for it to loosen up and stop hurting. Everything takes time with this injury even parts we didn't injure are affected. That's what amazes me the most.

[Aunt_Tete]

I'm totally confused after reading all of your posts relating to your tibia plateau fractures. I have a confirmed tibia plateau fracture which was diagnosed last October 2011 prior to my total hip replacement (which was Jan 2012). I was told to stay off it, use crutches and given a brace. DO said it would heal (as it was a clean break) and since I was having hip surgery, I would have the extra time for the FX to heal. I went in for a F/U appt. in April explaining that I was still experiencing pain. DO said I probably had developed arthritis so she felt around my knee (killed me!!) and she determined that I had an inflammed bursa sack, so she gave me an injection in the joint. I went back for a F/U in another couple of weeks explaining still no relief and she gave me another injection. I asked for another MRI (DO said it usually isn't done unless a surgical procedure is going to be done), but she would put the request in and see if my insurance would approve. MRI was scheduled - went back in May 2012. DO came in to inform me that I am STILL walking around with a FRACTURE! She ordered a bone stimulater and said that if new bone growth doesn't start, she's going to refer me to a surgeon. My leg hurts all the time (especially at night). A CT scan has now been ordered for Aug. So this is going on for almost a year. Lucky for me, I have a high tolerance to pain (walked around for 1 1/2 months before I even knew I had a fracture). I just can't imagine that I would be allowed to walk around on a fracture for fear of it getting worse. I have tried to contact other Ortho MD's for a 2nd opinion and the ones in my area do see patients for 2nd opinions or aren't taking new patients. After just recovering from total hip replacement (had a few complications with that and still can't sleep either side) but I'm OK - I really don't want to have surgery on my knee, which of course, is on the same leg. Has anybody had this type of treatment for a tibia plateau fracture before?? Thanks, in advance, for any and all responses.

[Dgw3369]

Aunt tete from what you explained with your tpf it's not nearly as bad as what we have all experienced. Not trying to down play your injury at all. But I think what your dr. Is telling you is correct cause you have a slight fx with no bone being depressed or out of place. Most of us including myself needed open reduction internal fixation of our tp because the bone was so badly broken it would never heal right which would make the knee unusable. Also the bone fragments that were depressed needed to be pushed back up into place internally. You sound like you lucked out and don't need surgery. Just need to give the knee time to heal and keep using crutches until completely healed. I was given partial weight bearing while my bones were healing as was everyone else on here. That's why the dr. Said you can continue to walk with crutches as it heals. Hope that gives you some sense of relief. Best of luck to you and I hope you feel better soon.

[himavan]

I'm getting foot and ankle pain sense my fwb status. It's been 2weeks sense I was given fwb and the pain is starting to go away. It was my foot,ankle,tibia shaft that all hurt. Not the knee. It's a coming thing amongst us being that we were nwb for so long. Fight threw it and it will get better. You need to keep walking on it for it to loosen up and stop hurting. Everything takes time with this injury even parts we didn't injure are affected. That's what amazes me the most.

Is your doctor not an orthopedic surgeon? I'm kind of surprised you would not already be discussing the problem with a surgeon by this point.
In my experience, a lot of doctors, especially those that are not in top tier hospitals (and even those who are) make more mistakes than you might think. If you have doubts you should definitely be seeking a second opinion. The only person who loses is your self.

[himavan]

oops. That last one was meant for Aunt Tete.

[Aunt_Tete]

Well, that's somewhat comforting. However, I haven't been instructed to use crutches since after my hip replacement (around Jan 2012). I was exercising and walking about 2 miles about 3 or 4 times a week up until my DO found out the knee was still fractured. She informed me that I could still walk on it, but limit myself to about a mile 3 or 4 times a week, use ice and anti-inflammatories. I explained that I was in pain (mostly at night) and it hurt from my knee down to my ankle. I just don't understand why she would allow me to continue to put weight on the tpf (since it's not healing) and continue to walk 3/4 times a week. I'm worried at any given moment it could fracture all the way through. As stated, it's been 10 months since my initial tpf and no sign of new bone growth.How long does it usually take for a tpf to heal? Thanks for your response!

[itsdeenah]

Quick Update: Finally started PT this week - 11 weeks Post Op. NWB (Type IV TPF w/1cm depression) bone graph & plate. ROM flex 73 degrees Ext. 5 degrees. I thought I was at 90 but I guess I have a way to go. Alot of heel slides for flex and pushing down straight leg for increased ext. It feels like it's getting stuck when I try to flex or bend it and some crunching going on but working through the pain and hopefully by Monday I've made some improvement. Is it scar tissue or tight ligaments, meniscus shraps.. not sure? but calf muscle is looking better.. its stretched out and not so tight. Anyway, hope everyone has a good weekend. Take good care...

[soonerstacy]

I'm totally confused after reading all of your posts relating to your tibia plateau fractures. I have a confirmed tibia plateau fracture which was diagnosed last October 2011 prior to my total hip replacement (which was Jan 2012). I was told to stay off it, use crutches and given a brace. DO said it would heal (as it was a clean break) and since I was having hip surgery, I would have the extra time for the FX to heal. I went in for a F/U appt. in April explaining that I was still experiencing pain. DO said I probably had developed arthritis so she felt around my knee (killed me!!) and she determined that I had an inflammed bursa sack, so she gave me an injection in the joint. I went back for a F/U in another couple of weeks explaining still no relief and she gave me another injection. I asked for another MRI (DO said it usually isn't done unless a surgical procedure is going to be done), but she would put the request in and see if my insurance would approve. MRI was scheduled - went back in May 2012. DO came in to inform me that I am STILL walking around with a FRACTURE! She ordered a bone stimulater and said that if new bone growth doesn't start, she's going to refer me to a surgeon. My leg hurts all the time (especially at night). A CT scan has now been ordered for Aug. So this is going on for almost a year. Lucky for me, I have a high tolerance to pain (walked around for 1 1/2 months before I even knew I had a fracture). I just can't imagine that I would be allowed to walk around on a fracture for fear of it getting worse. I have tried to contact other Ortho MD's for a 2nd opinion and the ones in my area do see patients for 2nd opinions or aren't taking new patients. After just recovering from total hip replacement (had a few complications with that and still can't sleep either side) but I'm OK - I really don't want to have surgery on my knee, which of course, is on the same leg. Has anybody had this type of treatment for a tibia plateau fracture before?? Thanks, in advance, for any and all responses.

Tete,
I wouldn't trust your DO to know that it's a clean break. I was also told by my PCP, an MD, that I had a non-displaced fracture and would not need surgery. Turns out after I saw a orthopedic surgeon 4 weeks later, I had a type III tibial plateau fracture with 1 cm of depression. I would definitely get a second opinion from an orthopod. If none if your area are taking new patients, it might be worth your while to find one that is taking new patients even if it's farther away. But on the other hand, if you needed surgery for this fracture a year ago, now it has been too long and an OS would not operate on you due to the fact that is has healed incorrectly (malunion). I waited 4 weeks to have surgery and he said I was taking a big risk by waiting. Little did I know...thanks to my PCP! You are probably going to have long term arthritis in that knee. How old are you if you don't mind me asking?

[himavan]

Well, that's somewhat comforting. However, I haven't been instructed to use crutches since after my hip replacement (around Jan 2012). I was exercising and walking about 2 miles about 3 or 4 times a week up until my DO found out the knee was still fractured. She informed me that I could still walk on it, but limit myself to about a mile 3 or 4 times a week, use ice and anti-inflammatories. I explained that I was in pain (mostly at night) and it hurt from my knee down to my ankle. I just don't understand why she would allow me to continue to put weight on the tpf (since it's not healing) and continue to walk 3/4 times a week. I'm worried at any given moment it could fracture all the way through. As stated, it's been 10 months since my initial tpf and no sign of new bone growth.How long does it usually take for a tpf to heal? Thanks for your response!

By DO, you're referring to an osteopath, right? I know that osteopaths have much of the same training and rights as an MD, and granted I don't have the experience or knowledge to judge osteopathy, but I must admit I'm a bit dubious of their advice in your kind of situation. There's certainly a bit of controversy over them and their qualifications and their relationship with the more mainstream medical world (particularly with use of adjustment/manipulation techniques, craniosacral therapy, etc) and the fact that many DOs were first rejected from medical school...

In my (limited) understanding, most simple fractures should heal within 6 weeks. 12 weeks for complex fractures. Sounds kind of sketchy to have a fracture for ten months. I would definitely be looking elsewhere by now. In my own case, I dropped my first surgeon (who was part of a well respected ortho trauma team in a university teaching hospital) and flew to seattle. My surgeon in seattle ended up having to redo my external fixation surgery in order to correct some mistakes made by the first surgeon. If I hadn't made that move, my future prognosis would have been very bleak. In fact my first surgeon told me I would never ski or even hike again. Now I can dare to hope that I will.

[SueBee]

Time for an update from me.

On June 29th I had my final appointment with my OS (unless something unforeseen happens) it was 15 weeks and 3 days post op. He showed me in the X-rays where the bone has healed a little unevenly which may mean arthritis later in life. (may have happened regardless). Otherwise the OS said healing very nicely and that I will continue to improve until the anniversary date if I continue to do as I am doing. Oh yeah I finally asked the OS how many screws and he said "8 or 9" Thanks to whoever it was (i have to review the posts) pointing out that I was selling myself short after looking at the X-ray . I might not have asked - Ha!

This week I will have my last physio appointment. I am being discharged to rehab in the gym. My leg is functional - some hyper extension (past zero) and ROM 134 when last measured. (still improving) - which is almost as much as my other leg.

On June 27th and 28th and 30th (and again today), I went for long walks on uneven trails in the woods. This was one goal I visualized while in a wheelchair - with my nieces and sister when they visited me for Canada day. It was as good as I had hoped.

I post this good news at just over 16 weeks post op. I do plan on skiing next season- I have 5 months to get there. And I plan on doing the Grouse Grind or BCMC before the end of summer. ( maybe in a couple if weeks - it depends. Physio cautioned me to go for slow and steady progression rather than overdoing it and setting myself back)

Don't lose heart. Incremental progress will get you there. Get the help you need. You will get better!

Courage my friends!

Sue

[JustDrewIt]

It's been quite a while since I looked at this board- mostly because I thought my post didn't go up. They're quite delayed sometimes. But my first post was way back last September (I think).

It's been almost 18 months since the accident.

I've just been released from PT- go to a Sports Medicine PT place. I went to a normal PT place the first time and I saw very little improvement. In just 4 months at the Sports Medicine PT, it's like the difference between night and day.

I can now leg press 55-60 lbs with just my injured leg, get on the crossramp, do squats, stationary bike for 12 miles, leg flexion is about 130 on the first try after 10 minutes of gentle bicycling, 1 degree extension when it's just me straightening using my quads but with overpressure from the therapist or weights it goes past 0. So still an issue of strength. Not walking quite normally still but that's because limping became a habit for such a long time.

Still getting some foot pain, but that's improved a lot. I noticed a lot of posts about foot pain as I was scrolling through the pages on here. There's a pad of fat on the bottom of both feet- when you stop walking, it slowly diminishes so when you first start walking again, there's nowhere near enough cushion to be comfortable. But it starts building up again as you use it.

I do have traumatic arthritis in my knee- and a tiny bit of structural collapse. But the orthopedic surgeon I'm now going to didn't seem to think that I'd ever need a knee replacement. I switched to my current orthopedic surgeon after my last one told me I had arthritis and then didn't recommend I do anything about it- useless. If you have any doubts about any of your doctors/therapists, don't hesitate to switch. I wish I'd switched months earlier than when I finally did.

Someone on here sent me a message asking lots of questions- I wrote a novel back but then I'm not sure it sent. Anyone else have trouble with that on this site?

[Skigramma]

Wow, times flies...its 3 days shy of 5 months since my Tibial plateau. I'm in physio and do work on my own too. I'm currently working on proper foot motion, my foot is very mobile, but weak from NWB 10+weeks. I can now almost take a normal step with the foot launch that I'm used to..I walk pretty fast normally. Working on eccentric muscle control - what's needed to use your knee when stepping down a step leading with your good foot. The pain and sicky feeling is still there, but better than last week. This has been the most frightening injury for me - loss of independence and not being able to ski were my biggest fears. I still have to concentrate on walking properly with all muscles engaging as they should. Kicked the cane a while ago, I even walk without it at the camp. I think we all have our novels to write - this is a frustrating injury for anyone...I've shed tears of pain, frustration, fear. Now...if you have questions, never be afraid to ask your OS or your physio they are there to help you get thru this mess. Tib plateau fx with ORIF is complicated - knees ankles and feet are all affected. As my friend in surgery say says "It is what it is and we move forward" However carefully!

[Dgw3369]

Little update and encouragement for those thinking it doesn't get better or they have a long way to go. Today was a little more then 2 weeks sense fwb status and 14 weeks post op. today I went to the beach like I have been sense I could crutch safely around, but today I was able to enter the water on my own to feet and get myself threw the waves and back in without any help. It felt really good to be able to do such a simple task that I took for granted prior to my injury. But the simple things are great confidence boosters and keep me going. I was even able to jump over the waves once I got chest deep and dive into them as they went over. Just wanted to let you all know that you can regain your life back and pretty much right where you left off. My ultimate goal is to have my leg better then it was prior to the injury. Long term goal of course but I'm sure it's achievable. But don't forget about the little goals achieved and how important those are too, like mine today being able to get back in the ocean...

[vaper]

well i just saw my doc for 6 weeks post-op and was bummed bc am now partially weight bearing but only at 20 lbs and he won't be seeing me for another 5 weeks and my physical therapist doesn't want to up the 20 lbs until then...which is ridic bc i'll be moving about a week after that anyway so i'll have about 3 days of pt with fwb. gonna have to do it on my own

[greg33]

New member....37 year old male, I sustained a tibia plateau fracture to my right leg on 04/06/2012. I was riding a motorcycle and got broadsided. Bumper into the right knee. Crushed the outer portion of the tibia plateau. Surgery on 04/12....plate and I think 8-9 screws. Grafted cadaver bone to attempt to rebuild the joint surface. Torn MCL, detatched PCL, meniscus damage blab blah. I'm 12 weeks post op tomorrow. I'm at 80 degrees flextion and 0 extension. Two doctors have told me I will never run again and walking will be painfull. No cartilage left in my knee.
So today I went for a CAT scan of both knees. Doctors are exploring a bone allograft. They want to cut the top of my tibia off and graft a "donor" tibia in from a cadaver. Doctor feels this will give me a better joint surface and better quality of life. Which means another surgery and starting all over again.
Started the long process of trying to walk...right now with both crutches. Feels very weak. I'm doing PT twice a week and just started strength training for my bum leg last week. My crash happened while I was working and I'm being told I will not be able to return to my current job. Which sucks....but I haven't thrown in the towel just yet. I have a wife and two young boys.
Reading everyone else's posts has been helpfull....now I know I'm not alone here! I wish everyone luck with their recovery!!

[scjohnson07]

New member 26 years old. Fx my right tibia plateau in may along with torn acl, mcl and meniscus. Dr opted to let my tibia heal before doing the ligament repair however I'm afraid of how weak it will be after I heal. I am a horse trainer that was thrown from a training horse and I have to get back to 100% eventually. I also was told 3 months post injury is how long the leg needs to remain immobile. It is now "locked" with hard swelling around my knee. I go for a follow up appt tomorrow anyone else had this treatment? My fx is a vertical fracture in my tibia plateau. I also have tingling in the bottom of my foot and toes that goes away somewhat with a compression sock (I've been evaluated for DVT and circulation problems in the foot and everything checked out).

[France]

I am so happy you are recovering so well and taking walks in the woods! Super news! Keep up the good work. I found a PT that would see me once a month. I have to do my own PT at home. Not easy since pain pills make me want to sleep. I have gotten to 85 degrees on my own. but at 10 weeks that is probably not very good. I just hope my leg will keep improving and that I will walk again. You give me hope SueX

[France]

Thank you for the inspiration! So needed when going through this horrible injury.

Little update and encouragement for those thinking it doesn't get better or they have a long way to go. Today was a little more then 2 weeks sense fwb status and 14 weeks post op. today I went to the beach like I have been sense I could crutch safely around, but today I was able to enter the water on my own to feet and get myself threw the waves and back in without any help. It felt really good to be able to do such a simple task that I took for granted prior to my injury. But the simple things are great confidence boosters and keep me going. I was even able to jump over the waves once I got chest deep and dive into them as they went over. Just wanted to let you all know that you can regain your life back and pretty much right where you left off. My ultimate goal is to have my leg better then it was prior to the injury. Long term goal of course but I'm sure it's achievable. But don't forget about the little goals achieved and how important those are too, like mine today being able to get back in the ocean...

[France]

Hi Peaton,

Sorry time got away from me. How are you doing? Thanks for this reply and your help. I am doing PT on my own. Slow progress but ten weeks in now. And have hope I will walk again. My incision was down the front of my leg so hoping I do not have nerve damage. It seems a lot of people have problems with their foot getting right again from what I see on the forum. I hope you will be close to taking care of your horses and animals again. Yes after being independent all your life this is a really humbling injury! Hope to hear from you! x

Hi France

I would love to take the credit for the exercises but it wasn't me. I didn't look back on prior discussions but I believe it might have been SueBee?!

Yes, it would be great if we could be the exception to the rule. I too am not a youngster any more either, 47, so I understand the healing process will be slower for us

It was really only a week and 2 days that I waited for surgery. I live in an area that doesn't have top notch orthopedic care or a level 1 trauma center. So after searching for a quality OS surgeon, I scheduled my surgery with an OS from Greenbay, WI. Dr. Linehan...there are 3 other OS specialists in this office. They all have one or more areas of the body they specialize in. Dr. Linehan is knee, hip and ligament reconstruction. His partner, Dr. McKenzie used to be the OS for the Greenbay Packers pro football team. They were able to get me in quickly for an exam and consult. Based on his schedule and mine (had to make arrangements for my 4 dogs, 2 cats and 2 horses) he was able to get me in 9 days after my initial accident. So far I am very impressed with him, staff and the hospital; their bedside manner was above and beyond as his skills and patience with me.

He wasn't able to fix any soft tissue/ligament damage because I have a bicondylar tibial plateau fracture. He had to do a bunch of bone grafting due to the depression, hence there was no where to attach/fix anything to. I even inquired prior to surgery about a knee replacement vs. plate/screws fix. Takes much less time for recovery of a knee replacement. But again, because of the depression damage this wouldn't be an option until healed. We are taking the conservative approach with the soft tissue/ligaments. He manipulated my knee while under and said there didn't appear to be a tear of the ACL or PCL. I already had a partial tear of the MCL, so just hoping that is still partially intact. If not he said arthroscopic repair would be used to correct and only set me back a short time for recovery from this.

So we sit/lay here doing what we can to be one step ahead of the game. I can't wait to be able to bare some weight and start pt. I really can't wait to walk the dogs, groom the horses, make dinner, etc. I have always been very independent and don't like to ask for help. I am learning to get over it, LOL!

Keep your spirits up. We will prevail!

[France]

Hang in there. Sounds like you have had a really bad injury with other damage as well. I think sometimes we can prove doctors wrong...I hope so anyways..Keep the faith!

New member....37 year old male, I sustained a tibia plateau fracture to my right leg on 04/06/2012. I was riding a motorcycle and got broadsided. Bumper into the right knee. Crushed the outer portion of the tibia plateau. Surgery on 04/12....plate and I think 8-9 screws. Grafted cadaver bone to attempt to rebuild the joint surface. Torn MCL, detatched PCL, meniscus damage blab blah. I'm 12 weeks post op tomorrow. I'm at 80 degrees flextion and 0 extension. Two doctors have told me I will never run again and walking will be painfull. No cartilage left in my knee.
So today I went for a CAT scan of both knees. Doctors are exploring a bone allograft. They want to cut the top of my tibia off and graft a "donor" tibia in from a cadaver. Doctor feels this will give me a better joint surface and better quality of life. Which means another surgery and starting all over again.
Started the long process of trying to walk...right now with both crutches. Feels very weak. I'm doing PT twice a week and just started strength training for my bum leg last week. My crash happened while I was working and I'm being told I will not be able to return to my current job. Which sucks....but I haven't thrown in the towel just yet. I have a wife and two young boys.
Reading everyone else's posts has been helpfull....now I know I'm not alone here! I wish everyone luck with their recovery!!