Tibial Plateau Fracture Recovery

[KelliB]

Hi everyone! I wish I would have found this group about 3 years ago! I had a tibial plateau fracture in March 2010...skiing! I did not have surgery until about 2 weeks after the accident. First surgery was 3/22/2010 went fine, on crutches, then physical therapy. At PT we discovered that I had no extension with my knee. Second surgery 8/23/2010 to remove scar tissue...went back to PT. I think i had over 100 visits. During this time I was going back to my surgeon and told to continue. I also had to wear a special leg brace (Dynasplint) for a couple of months. At this point I was already frustrated! I didnt feel like I was making any progress but continued with the PT. I exercised at home and even at work. I also received cortisone injections behind the knee cap which helped with the pain and stiffness for a couple of months. My last surgery was 11/5/2012 and they scraped the knee cap, removed scar tissue. Went to PT for about 6 weeks and was instructed to continue my home exercises. Ive done this and have been to the surgeon again today. He stated that my knee was tight. I explained that I have been exercising and sometimes my knee will "buckle", very tender to touch. He said I have arthritis and this will be something I have to deal with until I have knee replacement - about 20 years down the road. I had another cortisone injection today which helps for about a month. He also prescribed a NSAID Pensaid that you rub on the skin. I shall see how this goes. I am just so frustrated! I am not able to walk long distances, I have trouble walking when I get out of the bed. I cant ski anymore, play tennis. I currently do water aerobics and bicycling but I cant fully function with the pain! I dont know what else to do. I cant even kneel because it hurts so bad. Anyone else having any of these issues? Im just tired of it all! If knee replacement would fix the problem and allow for a somewhat normal life, then I want to do it now!!!

[rnm27]

Hello Marianaope, I would like to reply to your post. I had the exact same injury and surgery.Same dimensions of compression as well. Plus, some hardware, 1plate, and some screws. I am so curious how you are doing? You are a few months a head. Mine was in June. I'm 4 weeks out of surgery. No weight bearing for 12 weeks. Started CPM machine immediately after surgery. I reached 115 degrees after 1 week out of surgery using the C>P>M> machine. I've now reached about 120-130's ROM. After 4 weeks from the CPM. Machine. I started PT. after 3 weeks. This so scary! I was so active myself. I also work in construction. I am wondering if I am ever going to be the same? Will I be able to Jog,Surf, and be able to work another 20 years in my labor intense field. I am in great physical shape. First major surgery and break. I am 38. All this hardware in me makes me uncomfortable. I feel the doctor isnt telling me everything about tissue damage. IS there anything to be concerned or informed about. I'm a newbie. Can anyone help??

[ileneroberds]

Little insight needed from people who are recovered. I started 100%weight bearing a week ago today. My foot and ankle are KILLING ME! Is this normal? My knee hurts, too but nothing like my foot and ankle. I can hardly walk in the morning or at night. I'm taking ibuprofen like candy to get me through the day. My fracture was almost 3 months ago and this is the worst pain I've had since :-(

[SamIam326]

A follow up on my last post:
I'm now 6 weeks from surgery and have been to PT 6 times strictly for ROM. My therapist said I am progressing well. I am almost fully straight and I can bend to 95 degrees on my own and when she is pushing it I'm around 105-110 degrees.
The last time I posted I said I was almost completely pain free and I can no longer say that. My leg doesn't really hurt but my muscles do. I'm doing around 900 leg lifts every day, stretching, bending and using gravity to try to get my ROM better. My muscles are starting to come back pretty good from how bad the Atrophy was. I've also started swimming and all I really do is hold the side of the pool and kick my legs. feels really weird but I think it's helping.

My next followup is on August 23rd and I hope to go to PWB.
Sam

[SamIam326]

I'm not there yet but from what I have read on this site what you are going through is normal. People have talked about a lot of pain when starting to walk so I keep stretching my ankle and moving my foot as much as I can. I hope to start weight bearing on my next followup (August 23rd)

Sam

[CLDrgon]

Hi Everyone.
Fell off ladder 25 feet 5-26-2013. Tibia Plateau Fracture IV with depression. My lower leg is 10 degrees off and I am currently knock-kneed. Also 10 years ago had a half knee revision in this particular leg. Therefore I could not join the ranks of having surgery for repair.
I was NWB from 5-26-2013 to 07-18-2013. I am currently allowed to place 30 lbs of weight on that leg so still only PWB.
Since I have been through the physical therapy they have told me to just do the exercises that i was taught. I currently have 135 degree flexion.
After NWB status my muscles were small and ridiculous looking. I work out daily, have a mini cycle that I use as I love bikes (just does something for me LOL). The mini cycle is new this past week but have it with the least resistance.
I am PWB until 08-20-2013 and then see the doc again.
Now what they are trying to do is buy me time I guess.
The words do not flow freely for my situation. So always a question mark. I continue with crutches and no longer have to have the brace. Yea!!! It does amaze me how much exercising you can do sitting!! I exercise so I can keep free of frustration and funk plus I am seeing a difference with the quad and calf muscles in the left leg. I use 10 lbs ankle weights.
The irony is that I had the half knee put in because I shredded my meniscus and was bone on bone and became knock-kneed due to a quick turn and my leg giving out 10 years ago.
Now I am once again knock-kneed and fighting to just strengthen the leg so I can walk without assistance. How much fun are we having now??
Anyway working out is a life saver in this situation. So if you don't my suggestion is to do this. It is hard, painful but afterward a calm and better feeling. I think we are all active people in our own right.
Down the road the answer will be total knee revision. Not sure when that will happen as I first need to get through this mess. I would love to just go back to work at this point and walk. I know it will be painful but I am not worried about that. I just want to walk!!!!
So to everyone Hang In There, Keep Working Out and Keep the Positive Attitude that is needed. I don't have answers yet. I once had nice looking legs and (a little vanity) now my left leg is very hideous. It is often swollen all the way down to my foot and toes if I am up on it for any lengthy periods.
It is what it is, I just want to walk. The answers to my questions never come due to half knee replacement. So going slow and steady!!!!

[CrystalD]

Hi, I had TPF on July 5, 2013 which included a full meniscus tear and an ACL tear. I was on the back of my husband's motorcycle and a drunk driver decided to make his left turn when we were about 5 feet from him. Thank you all for posting as I have been really sick about this situation. Non weight bearing, are you kidding? I have a job, two children and a husband with multiple fractures and some internal injuries, non weight bearing is VERY hard! I start physical therapy tomorrow which ironically is our "one month anniversary", so hopeful to get some exercises to work on so my butt and hip will be a little less sore. Good luck to everyone who is still in recovery with me and again thanks to those of you who decided to share your stories:-)

[mrun1104]

I had a TPF on July 31, 2011 (and meniscus tear). I has been nearly 2 years since my surgery...a plate and 26 screws. I am still making improvement. After 1 year, I was discouraged, thinking it would not get any better, still in a lot of pain most of the time. I had a wonderful surgeon. I joined the gym about 4 months ago, and since I have been working out 5 days a week. It continues to improve. I would say it is at 90%. I have almost the same motion in this leg as my other leg. I turn 60 next month. I tell everyone who has had this injury, be patient, be dilligent in the PT, and get active.

[VAHarleyGirl]

I haven't been here in awhile, thought I would offer some hope for those wondering about the "long term" picture. My TPF was Feb 22, 2012 (wrecked my Harley); a grade 5 with surgery Mar 1, 2012 (7.5 hours!) 2 plates, 20 screws, tons of bone-graft and 2 days in hospital and 12 weeks NWB. Now I'm about 18 months out and I'm doing great! I'm no kid at 48 and not particularly athletic, and I do need a full knee replacement, but life is pretty good :-)

I started riding my bike again last fall, I horseback ride again and I run around with friends and grandkids; just need to be "aware" of ground surfaces and look before I leap. I do still have reduced ROM (about 115) and cannot get my leg straight (about 3-4) but really, so what? I'm not a professional athlete or model (lol), so I make small adjustments. The weather does affect me more than before and the first few steps after sitting are rough, I limp for a few steps due to arthritis but then I'm okay.

I still have my hardware and we have decided to leave it in, the risk vs. reward isn't worth major surgery to remove it. I was hoping that removal would help the pain and reduced ROM but my surgeon said the improvement would be minimal. While the surgery could cause more problems: infection, skin/muscle loss, nerve damage or break the bone (!!) again. The hardware will come out when I have the TKR down the road. That date is up to me, when I can no longer stand the pain/stiffness. I'm trying to wait as long as possible, every day the replacements get better and the surgery less invasive.

For now I sleep with a pillow between my legs for support, I take glucosamine, I prop my leg up when sitting (I still get swelling in the leg if I'm up all day) and I wear support hose type socks when riding. You learn what helps you best, and what to avoid over time. Then one day you realize that you haven't even thought about the injury for days, it has become just another part of your history.

I hope this helps someone who is suffering right now, I remember the fear and depression so well, it WILL get better! There is life after TPF and though the injury doesn't go away, you can learn to incorporate the changes into an active lifestyle. My knobby knee is just a "crazy" story now, also a badge of honor if you will, it reminds me how strong I really am.

If yall have any questions just let me know, I'm pulling for all of you ~ Sheila

[hobblerguy]

It has been a while since I last posted. Again, this forum is awesome for this injury. You can't find any better information on the injury and recovery process.

I just had my 1 year post surgery appointment today. I had a Type V TPF with a torn meniscus from a bike riding injury. I have two plates and I don't know how many screws. I would like to say that I am 100% and everything feels great but that is not the case. However, that being said, I conduct my life pretty normally. Most of the time it is painful and the knee is always stiff. I think this is fairly normal for any type of serious knee injury at 1 year (ACL, shattered knee cap, etc.). Several friends of mine have had different types of knee injuries and all have said it takes years to recover to some sort of normalcy.

My doctor, a man of many words, for the 5 minutes he saw me today, said "looks good". He doesn't say much but he does wonderful work. I owe him a huge debt of gratitude.

I have not posted in 6 months. In the last 6 months I have managed to ski, bike, mountain bike, hike, run, play basketball and play volleyball in the sand. My job also requires a lot of walking on precarious ground as I am a land surveyor. The knee has functioned as well as to be expected doing all of these activities. Is it what it was prior to the injury? No. Can I do these things? Yes.

The main thing is the strength. I still need to get more strength back in my quads, calves and hamstrings (the whole leg in general). The other big issue is psychological. Trusting my leg and knowing that I will not injure myself if I make a certain step or jump or move.

The downside of where I am at today is mainly some functional issues at the extremes. Going downhill or downstairs still hurts. It is getting better slowly but it still hurts. The flexion of the knee is probably about equal with my good knee but it is just not the same. It is super stiff/tight when it is bent fully. I did have a couple of instances of forced flexion that scared the hell out of me. I slipped hiking around a lake and the other time was playing volleyball and I bent down to dig the ball. In both cases it felt like I blew my ACL but it was nothing. It actually felt a little better after it had happened, a little looser. It is also difficult for me to step way out and up and rely on the knee to have enough strength to pull my body up. The other downside is that my shin and lower knee between the incisions is still numb. So when I get down on my knees to do something it is a very weird feeling, there is no feeling, which is weird.

The upside of where I am at today, I am living pretty normal life. I am pretty happy with where I am at with my recovery. I managed to get about 8 days on the ski hill late in the season (no bump runs but still on the hill). I ride my street bike all over town. I rototilled the garden this spring, planted a couple of trees in the yard. I went mountain biking in Durango over the 4th of July. I have been able to hike up to my favorite fishing lake and do some fishing. I can give my kids piggy back rides. I am relied upon by my wife to, once again, do the heavy lifting if needed. When my injury happened, I did not think a lot of this would happen and happen this soon.

I have been extremely fortunate to have a fantastic support structure during this whole process. My wife, mother-in-law, sister-in-law, children (not now, they think I am healed), friends, etc. have all made this possible for me. It is a very humbling experience and I am extremely grateful to all of those who have helped me. And this forum was key when I was laying on the couch not being able to walk. 3 months of no walking seemed like a long time but now it seems like a blip.

So I will just keep on keepin on

Thanks for all your posts

[VAHarleyGirl]

Hey Hobblerguy! I remember reading your posts when you were first injured. So happy to read that you are 'keepin on' Isn't it amazing how we can adjust to the 'new normal'?

[VAHarleyGirl]

Hey CrystalD

Hi, I had TPF on July 5, 2013 which included a full meniscus tear and an ACL tear. I was on the back of my husband's motorcycle and a drunk driver decided to make his left turn when we were about 5 feet from him. Thank you all for posting as I have been really sick about this situation. Non weight bearing, are you kidding? I have a job, two children and a husband with multiple fractures and some internal injuries, non weight bearing is VERY hard! I start physical therapy tomorrow which ironically is our "one month anniversary", so hopeful to get some exercises to work on so my butt and hip will be a little less sore. Good luck to everyone who is still in recovery with me and again thanks to those of you who decided to share your stories:-)

I was injured on a bike too, I hit sand/salt in an intersection a few days after a snowstorm and slide about 100 feet. My foot touched down at about 25 mph, thats when I got the TPF, it shocked me so bad I wound up going off the bike on the high-side. I was sure that my riding days were over, I was afraid to ride, but I overcame that after about 7 months. So if that is one of your fears right now, losing that fun of riding, you should be okay. Like everything else about this injury, it just takes time.

Good luck ~ Sheila

[miketheskier]

Hey guys,

I had a tibia plateau fracture almost two years ago and had a pin put in. After much physio, leg felt great. Been recently playing "soccer" and basketball and the pin is now hurting fairly often for no reason.. It would hurt a bit after skiing too but went away.

What gives.. Anyhow, doc just tells me to take pain killers. Cheers NHS. Has anyone been in a similar position? Did you get the pin(s) out? How long was rehab after that?

[Orthoski]

Most people don't end up needing their hardware taken out, but for those that do, the recovery is nothing like the original injury (and doesn't usually entail rehab). Unless the pain is right over the hardware, hard to predict whether taking out the plate/screws will result in any improvement. I usually coach patients that it's a 50/50 shot.

[97r82]

Most people don't end up needing their hardware taken out, but for those that do, the recovery is nothing like the original injury (and doesn't usually entail rehab). Unless the pain is right over the hardware, hard to predict whether taking out the plate/screws will result in any improvement. I usually coach patients that it's a 50/50 shot.

I found this forum back in 2011 after I suffered what my OS called the worst TPF he had ever seen. 2 plates and 22 screws also split the tibia lengthwise. I was NWB for 12 weeks so I am very compassionate for all you guys who have recently suffered TPF of any severity. I have finally found my normal I think. My accident happened early October 2011. If you look back to the early pages you can see some of my posts. I just thought I would try to give back to this group a little. Other than not getting on a roof and I still don't run unless something is on fire or a bear is chasing me I am doing pretty much anything I want to do. My foot still has a stinging on top occasionally. My hardware hasn't caused too much pain in the last year. Definitely not enough to let them near me with a knife again. Everyone said I would be the best weather man around but not that I have noticed yet? I still limp a little when tired but I think its more habit than anything. My leg still swells a little after a bad day at work (12 hr shifts on my feet on concrete). I am happy to be where I am though. Hope this helps some of you guys. Keep working hard on your PT. It occupies the mind along with preparing you for the near future. I did not exercise my good leg enough that is something I could have done different. My bad leg was much larger than my good leg for about a year. I also quit the meds as quickly as possible. They just messed with my attitude. Hang in there. If you don't have a good PT fire them and get a good one. They are the key to the puzzle in my opinion. You see the OS for ten minutes a month if you are lucky. You get face time with the PT every week. I was lucky since my wife already knew the best one around.
I don't check this forum often but please don't hesitate to PM me if I can answer any questions or just give moral support.
thanks
jesse

[SbNative59]

I am not into sports, (found y'all via Google) but my injury did happen in the great outdoors on ice.....in my very own backyard.
December 20, 2012 started just a normal day in the life of this 50+ everyday Female till I stepped outside with one foot still inside and the other hitting ICE. I kept thinking as I fell 'this is going to hurt'. I had NO idea just how right I was.
Left TPF Schatzker II with 1.5 cm depression with a lateral split, Medial Femoral Condyle fractures and a left distal radius fracture.
Surgery on 1/3/13 Synthes 3.5mm LCP plate with 5 screws for the leg and .062 inch K-wires to the wrist. One night stay in the hospital due to hip pain from postitioning during surgery. Sent home in a unlocked immobilizer and arm in a sandwich splint.
Staples out at 10 & 20 days. K-wires out first week of February.
Non-weight bearing till March, toe touch allowed from there, immobilzer allowed to be removed April 17th. May follow up visit we get the news that the hardware needs to come out 'soon' and a new knee is in my future plans.
Tomorrow (8/23) is hardware removal. Knee to be evaluated to see where we go from there. Currently I am 50% weight bearing, stiff and not bending even after PT. Over 8 months now of wheelchair to crutches to who knows what tomorrow will bring.

[Rlc004]

Hi there.... Even though I'm really not an athlete, I'm so happy I found this forum. Husband and i were walking in Vancouver on aug 5, I miss-judged a step and my leg went back while I went forward. I have a right tibial plateau fracture - notnsure what category, but possibly level 6 the most recent doc said. Had surgery Aug 6, because I was from out of town (I live in toronto and was on vacation...so much for our scenicndrive to Banff!) they made it a quick one. In the hospital for 5 days, have 9'screws and 2 plates in the leg. I'm now about 3 weeks past and so frustrated because every doctor we've seen has given me not only conflicting info, but also very confusing. Vancouver said don't move it at all until physio, here they say move it a lot, then the physio clinic I went to ended up being a chiropractor so she couldnt really help me - we are seeing a sports physio next. Also moving in September from a flat level condo to a house with quite a few stairs.
But, I've been off the pain meds just taking regular Tylenol if I'm in some discomfort. I'm a teacher so going back to work soon - although it'll be interesting, I can't wait to get off the couch and see the outside world.
Just wanted to post to thank all the people who are so positive and giving messages that you can recover from this. I am not an athlete like I said before, and have never broken a bone or had major surgery so this has been quite a shock & awakening. I was in a really bad place for the past few days, but reading this forum has really helped me realize its going to be okay, I just need to channel my patience. Thanks s much for everyone's support.

[Eli98]

Hi KelliB,

I had my original TPFx on 1/31/11 from a skiing accident with surgery on the same day. It never healed right and a year later I had a second surgery to remove the hardware, remove cadaver bone that never bonded, and get a new ACL. That surgery helped for a little while but the instability and arthritis pain continued to increase until I really couldn't walk anymore. I was still able to bicycle but that was about it. I tried an ACL brace and synvisc injections and both helped a bit but it was not a very good solution.

On 6/4/2013 I had a total knee replacement. I'm only 41 years old and it's not ideal to get this surgery at my age but it's already given me my life back. I no longer have arthritis pain, my knee is stable and I can walk and hike again, in addition to mt biking. This was a difficult decision as I know I will need a revision in the future, but right now I wish I could have done this the day I split my tibial plateau and saved myself a lot of trouble. After the original injury I never regained full extension and could never straighten my leg. I now have full extension and I am up to 125 degrees of flexion, which is enough for day to day activities and biking. Do your own research but I am very happy with my decision to have a knee replacement. There is another Forum at www.bonesmart.org and you can look at postings for knee replacements there.

Good luck!

[kmrrdb]

Hi All, Its has been about 6 months from my last post. I also agree that this has been the best source in helping me recover both mentally and physically from my TPF. One year ago 8/24/12 I broke my left lateral Tibial Plateau. My injury included a displaced and depressed TPF, torn meniscus and strained MCL. My surgery was 8/31/12 and included 1 plate and 4 screws. Today I am 100% on flex and extension. If you look at me you would never know I was injured, with exception to a pretty big scar. I still continue and need to increase strength in my weak leg. Last week I played 36 holes of golf two days straight which I never thought would be possible 6 months ago. My leg does get tired and sore when I push it, but it doesn't swell and soreness goes away within a day. All that being said, there is definitely a difference between my good and bad leg, but its serves its purpose and I can do 98% of what I did before and still seems to be improving.

For all of you in your 1st 2-3 months of this recovery, it will get better! During my 1st 3 months, I remember sitting on the couch say "I am f'd!" but it did and continues to get better. My advice would be:
1. Stay true to PT. I went 3 days a week for 6 months.
2. Get in a pool if you can. When PWB it will help get the muscles working again.
3. Get in the gym after PT and continue to build that muscle and back. Its important.
4. Stay as head strong as you can, time will pass and you will get better.

Take Care and stay positive!

[XXX-er]

Most people don't end up needing their hardware taken out, but for those that do, the recovery is nothing like the original injury (and doesn't usually entail rehab). Unless the pain is right over the hardware, hard to predict whether taking out the plate/screws will result in any improvement. I usually coach patients that it's a 50/50 shot.

Also consider whatever HW you leave in might get in the way if you break you leg again

I had 3 screws left in an ankle which were OK in a ski boot but when I later spiraled the Tib/Fib the surgeon was worried about hitting the existing screws if he put a rod in the Tib so he put in a plate

So based on my experiance of HW getting in the way 8 months later I had all the HW taken out except for one screw that wouldn't come out

The recovery from having the HW taken out was way easier & much less painful ... after I woke up I was able to walk out of the post op ward

[Notorious]

Recovered Tibia plateau patient here going on 3 years since my injury. You can refer to pages 3-6 of this thread!

If anyone has any questions about their injury or rehab feel free to email me at austintexan2007@yahoo.com. I have assisted many people from this site and I am happy to answer any and all questions you may have!

[sparkletarte.]

wow, crazy little world in here! I did mine around 12 years ago, had hardware removed a year after injury (only 2 screws). It was a big improvement in pain reduction, also they had the chance to clear up some messy stuff. Can't even tell I did it now aside from the scar. You'll get there! Just make sure you do your exercises, and no limping. Throwing crutches across the room in frustration is totally acceptable though. Good luck everyone!

[Rlc004]

Hi just wanted to ask a question....
So I'm now finishing week 5, have started ROM physio with an amazing sports therapist. I'm doing my stretches and everything, but last night woke in a lot of pain because of a calf muscle spasm (bad leg). Anyone else have this issue and suggestions on how to push through it? I tried gently massaging my calf this morning and the lightest touch is very painful. I'm also out of the brace full time, and trying to do more walker-ing vs. wheelchair-ing.

[helenf2]

just wanted some advice...
I found out 3 days ago I have a tibial plateau fracture. I fell off my bike, and broke my arm at the same time.
It happened five weeks ago and I have been walking on it since I did because the hospital told me it wasn't broken, and only received the diagnosis after a CT scan 3 days ago.
The consultant told me I could go back to work Monday, which will be 6 weeks since I did it.
I have since read lots of advice on the internet that say recovery is 12 weeks and should be non weight bearing - I am now really worried.
Has anyone else had a tibial plateau fracture where they could walk on it and return to work that soon?

[BrokenTibiaDude]

Hey friends, I broke my tibia about 7 weeks ago playing basketball. I went up for a dunk, came down and broke my tibia. I spent 10 days in the hospital, started weight bearing after 5 weeks, recently started trying to run and jump again but not very successfully. I am 16 years old, 6'8 220 pounds, and I have been taking magnesium, calcium, and multivitamin pills as well as many protein shakes I can. I can jog a little bit but am wondering if anybody has any idea how long it will take until I can run again and be back to normal.