Welcome to the TPF Home Page.
This page has many useful sections with information, and fellow Tibial Plateau Fracture sufferer stories.
If you’ve recently suffered a Tibial plateau Fracture this is the place for you. This site was created after having myself gone through the recovery process of Tibial Plateau Fractures, and this site aims to contain information you need and want to know during Recovery. You can visit the forum to chat and share your story with others. Or, start reading in the Recovery Section Above. In the different pages you will find a lot of helpful information for your recovery period including medical information, first hand accounts of personal recovery stories as well as many useful tips & tricks. It’s Important to understand that this info is based on personal experience and research but that I am not a medical professional. This site is not intended to provide personal health advice. Your doctor is the professional source of information and if any advice your doctor gives you contradicts something written in this site- stick with your doctors opinion.
If you’re asking yourself how long your recovery is going to take, or what to expect, check out the recovery section. If you’re looking for some helpful tips and tricks from people who’ve been there – have a look at tips & tricks. We also have a Forum with recovery stories of different people Containing many inspiring stories and a place to ask fellow visitors questions.
If you’re looking for a community of people who have been through the same also check out the forum, or if you are looking for more information and references, those can be found in “further reading” which contains links to other websites and pages.
This page currently contains mostly information regarding recovery and recuperation after a surgery or non-surgical treatment. If you are still in the hospital and want to know more about your injury this is also the place for you. In future I might add some useful information for your stay in the hospital.
Hope you feel at Home, and feel free to contact about anything at all at [email protected]
Note: This site is currently in building and so some sections might not yet be complete
Shlomi,
September 10th, 2013
*Note: this website is not intended to provide medical advice. Your doctor is a much better source for medical advice. This information is based on firsh-hand personal experience and research*
Wow Chris!! What’s even stranger is that my husband’s Aunt just moved a couple years ago from Edmonton to Australia also!! They live on the Sunshine Coast! They had taken their sons ages 14 and 11 on vacation to Australia a few years ago for a month and loved it so much they moved there!! She is coming home to visit us all at Christmas time!! She is a kindergarten teacher and her husband is a business manager and her boys are well into highschool now and are avid surfers!!
Its a very small world!!
I ride and train horses part time to my dental assisting job. I have been riding horses my whole life, since the age of 4 (i am 31).
I grew up on a horse farm but now I live in town and keep my horses at a stable about 10 minutes from my house. I won’t be riding for a while which makes me quite sad. I almost don’t know what else to do if I can’t ride. I do like to teach riding lessons to competitive riders, so I guess I could always just keep my two feet on the ground and do that. But if there’s a will there’s a way!
My husband has been awesome also. We have two small children and my husband says its now like looking after 3! I too, was the one who did everything, cooked, cleaned, looked after the children, laundry…EVERYTHING!! So this has been a huge learning experience for him. But, “for better for worse and in sickness and health!” lol
This too shall pass and one day I am sure he will need me to look after him 🙂
I just remember to tell him how much he is appreciated and hopefully it has made him realize how much he needs me 😉
Have a great day 🙂
Hi again Chris,
I am from Manitoba, Canada.
I am hoping to get a new lighter brace too, since mine is fully unlocked now I dont see why I need this one.
I am not weight bearing for two more months. I am actually scared of the day they say I can put weight on my leg. I feel like I have lost all trust in my leg…maybe thats weird?!? lol
I can tell I already have poor flexibility in my knee. I will have to really work on getting that back. I am sure its because I was locked straight in my brace for about a month.
I still get major swelling in my foot too which is very uncomfortable and annoying. I hope that goes away once I can put weight on my foot.
I pray every day that I will be able to ride horses again. I am determined to. But, I have to take the time to heal.
I cannot believe you have read so many books!! I can’t read because it instantly puts me to sleep and I always end up having to reread the same page the next night!! Lol
I watch a lot of movies and seasons of tv series. It is starting to get cold now so at least I wont be missing out in too much good weather!!! Although crutching on ice and through snow may be interesting!! Good thing my husband is almost more careful than I am about this whole thing. He has really been a blessing through this. 🙂
Take care
M.
Hi Michela,
I had to write back and let you know something that’s quite a co-incidence. I live in Lake Bunga, Victoria, Australia, but for 32 years I lived in Edmonton, Alberta. My husband David is Canadian, we’ve been married for 48 years. It seems so strange that we should have this connection, all to do with our TPF. We’ve lived in Australia for 18 years, our daughter and son were both born in Edmonton and both came over here when they were 18. It sure is a small world. Are you ranchers or have horses for leisure. Our daughter was very involved in 4H Light Horse and Pony Club, she rode from the age of 6, we had a 10 acre property just outside Edmonton and spent many hours on the road for horse shows and dressage events. It’s wonderful being able to write to you not just for our common health issues but to have a Canadian connection. We were there in May and June of this year, David’s aunt turned 105 and we wanted to be at the birthday party, unfortunately she passed away in August but at least we got to spend a lot of time with this lovely old lady. My husband has been wonderful through all this, he’s a typical man in that I do most everything around the house and he looks after everything else, it’s been quite an eye opener for him to look after me, cooking washing, walking the dog etc. all things that were my domain before. He loses the plot sometimes when it all gets a bit too hard for him but we sort it out and everything falls back into place. I hope we can keep in touch it’s very beneficial being able to compare notes…..Chris
Hi Chris,
I too have had a hard time adjusting to sleeping on my back. I have a very bulky brace on my leg that was just unlocked to 90 degrees flexion today (I am 6 weeks post op now)
I am quite stiff when it comes to attempting to flex even close to that far but I am going to work on it. I am still non weight bearing for 2 more months. I did get the ok to start light, non weight bearing physio, so that will happen in a few days. And, I assuming that will be painful seeing as I can already feel discomfort from my brace being adjusted this morning.
I am so sick of watching television. And I absolutely HATE my crutches. They are so bothersome and an extra annoying reminder of my injury. I do not have the greatest ideas to pass the time. Some days go quicker and better than others. When I get down about being pretty much bed ridden I just tell myself that the more I listen to my Dr. now and really allow myself to heal….the better chance I will have at the best possible recovery. Sleeping gets easier every week. You become accustomed to your new way o sleeping. I would say just this week it has improved(week 6). I use many pilllows to prop my leg until its comfortable. I think I have a good set up now. This has really taught me patience, something I have never been good at. I find myself wishing I could turn back time and avoid all this but I am lucky my injury was not to my head, neck or back seeking as I was thrown from a horse.
I am so thankful for the advancements in orthopedic surgery. It amazes me that they repair bones like they do. I hope to have my screws and plate out one day but I remind myself “One day at a time”. Good things come to those who wait 🙂
I wish you all the best in your recovery 🙂 Message anytime if you have more questions or concerns 🙂
Its nice to chat with someone who understands. And, although I am sad to know this has happened to other people, I find it comforting to know I am not the only one 🙂 Prayers for you 🙂
Hi Michela,
Thanks for replying to my e-mail, where do you live? I had a very cumbersome brace initially but the surgeon changed it two weeks post op to a smaller more manageable one, which I find so much better for mobility. I use a pick up frame instead of crutches, I have some crutches for later on but find the frame gives me more security at this time. I too have made a nest of pillows to enable me to sleep, I sleep well until about 4 in the morning then my hips start aching and I have to rearrange it all, I have about 8 pillows at the moment. Today is 5 weeks since my accident, I have another 3 weeks until I see the surgeon and start weight bearing, I’m apprehensive about this it may be easier than I think, I hope so. I have been to Physio and have started knee flexing, I’m supposed to increase the flex every day but am finding it really difficult, I want to have good flexion when I go to the surgeon but don’t think that will be the case. Do you have someone to help you? I love reading and have read 14 books since this all happened, our son bought me a laptop and I enjoy catching up with friends and researching things that interest me, like this TPF site. I would love to keep in touch with you, I find it very comforting to talk about this “thing” that we share, like a secret TPF society…..Chris
Jerry Hill, don’t get down. Pain is a sign of healing. I am about a month post op on my TPF. I have 1 plate and 8 screws. I also broke my left index finger. I was bucked off a horse. Recovery will take a while but just remember that we WILL recover and all our accidents could have been much worse. I wish all the best in your recovery but be patient with yourself. I too have sleepless nights but it does get better. This site is a great place to be reminded that you are not alone 🙂
Warmest Regards
Hi Michela,
I’m also a little over a month post op with my TPF, a dog ran into me on the beach and because of its height it hit me right on the side of the knee. Unlike you, I didn’t break anything else. I was wondering how much bending of your knee you were able to do? I find the worst aspect of this whole thing is having to sleep on my back, can’t wait until I can sleep on my side again. What do you do to fill your time?
Cheers,
Chris
Hey, jerry,
just wanted to say hey, since we have a common thread, my horse accidentally kicked up her feet and clocked my right knee, which, resulted in TPF. this happened at the end of Nov so I am very green at this only 7 weeks out. I have about 4 more months before I can walk they tell me, well walk without any aid. I can not afford PT, not sure what I am going to do about that. I will have to research what to do and how to do it so that I am actually benefitting myself and not hurting myself worse.
have you been able to ride? curious how you are now with the horses. I haven’t seen my horse in 7 weeks, since I can not get out to the barn. If it wasn’t winter I might be able to hobble out, but to much snow and ice, not worth it. That night that she kicked me, and she was kicking up her feet I call it the perfect storm, she was freaked out about something in the pasture that night, she was in a big hurry to get into the barn, when she trotted in, she stepped on the tip of my left foot, when I pulled my foot out at the same time she kicked up her back feet and clocked the inside of my right knee. I am told if I had not had my left foot up or basically been off balance this would be probably a good bruise. aye, I would take that any day!! thanks for reading.
Well here I am,,,On Sept 1st 2014 I was in a longboarding accident. I suffered a tpf as well as a broken fibia, also broke my left thumb and right wrist all of which required surgery. To say the least this has been a bit of a challenge. I was pleased and excited however to find this site during one of the last sleepless nights I have had. I have been progressing well, for me anyway, last week I was finally able to take myself to the bathroom, which is pretty awesome considering both my arms are wrapped up. Today I even took a shower, which meant crawling upstairs on my bum, then hopping down the hall. I am currently only two weeks post op.. which is way depressing, everything still hurts, all the time, and recovery looks so far away. Good to have a site I can come to for support though. Thank you
Hi Jerry,
Wow, you did a number on yourself, I only have a TPF which I actually did a couple of days before you had your accident .and I find that enough to deal with. You seem to be coping well, having a shower when it took so much effort is remarkable. Best wishes for a complete recovery.
Chris
Please do follow your doctor’s advice…this is a very serious injury and you can delay and prevent recovery. Research your injury…you will understand better why….stretch and move and bend, but dont bear weight until doc says! Its very frustrating, but you can do it…one day (hour minute) at a time. I am10 weeks into nonweight bearing, so I know how hard it is to put up with the limitations. It takes a long time for the bone to heal. Good luck!
My TPF and displacement was August 22/14. I am a few days shy of a month post surgery. I was bucked off a horse, landed the fall and therefore suffered my fracture. I have 1 plate and 8 screws. I am on bed rest for 3 months. I have ridden horses all my life and plan on continuing to do so. I know it will be hard and require a lot of physio and determination but I WILL get back on. I wish everyone with a TPF a healthy recovery. We are all in this together. Please never think you are alone in the pain or recovery. There are people that know your pain and your setbacks but each day is a chance to get better and stronger 🙂 Much love and strength 🙂
I had an MRI done two days ago and was told that I fractured my tibial plateau. Doc told me to keep it straight and put no weight on it. But it does not hurt and I can put weight on it. I don’t know what to do. I am a very active person and this is killing me just sitting around waiting to see the ortho doc. Again what should I do
Follow doctor’s advise…Do Not Put Weight On It Until The Dr. Says It Is Safe To Do So.
The tibia plateau is one of the most critical weight bearing points in the body. If you break this, your ability to bear your weight is HIGHLY COMPROMISED.
I understand how frustrating it is not to be able to do activities (I was in a wheelchair for 15 weeks), but it takes one wrong strain or twist or angle and you TPF with crack to hell (more so than it is) and the extra damage will be extensive, with longer recovery.
Please, do yourself a favor and do not put weight on the leg until cleared by the doctor.
Severe tpf, two plates, 15 screws. Almost one year out. Workers comp. Anyone else have a tpf at work? Just trying to get an idea of what percent permanent disability (MMI rating) is average.
But what I’m getting to is don’t let this injury keep you down i sure didn’t even though it ruined my dream of becoming a mixed martial arts fighter i still train every day i just have limitations and my knee doesn’t hurt that often its kinda like arthritis and it doesn’t stop me from doing what i love just can’t go getting in the cage for an actual fight i have no pain reliever dependencies i just smoke a little wacky baccky here n there for when it hurts and i gives no fuck about it will power always wins if you have the will there is a way and i still mosh. note: the mosh pit i was in was only about 40-50 people and I’ve been on the front line of the wall of death at several lamb of god concerts since the injury and before i hope this story influences you that have been through this to keep your head held high and let nothing keep you down you will get better just won’t be the same ever again
I shattered my tibeal plateau in a mosh pit on 4/20/13 yea 420 what a great 420 that was lol its a schatzker 5 and believe it or not it didn’t hurt as bad as you’d think it didn’t hurt until after i woke from surgery and omfg did it hurt worst pain ever and I’ve been through a lot my recovery was slow and painful and i became very depressed took 5 months of laying around and me being so strong willed the day rhe dr said i could start walking on it i walked out of that drs office and to the car then proceeded tho throw my crutches and wheelchair off the nearest bridge
Hello All. On May 21st of this year I jumped off scaffolding only 3 feet from the ground and fractured my tibial plateau medially and laterally in my left leg. The results of a CT taken at the ER the same day showed only 2-3mm of displacement, so the orthopedic surgeon on call decided a non surgical approach was best. I was given a fiberglass splint. A couple of weeks later another CT was performed since the x-ray technician was uncertain if there had been movement of the fracture. None was detected, so it was still recommended to continue with the non surgical recommendation. At the end of August I was given partial weight bearing and hoping for full weight bearing this Thursday. This has been the a truly frustrating experience. I have never sat so much in all my 59 years. I can certainly relate to many of your experiences, and I have located the FB page on TPF support and asked to join this group. I wish I had known about this 4 months ago. Thanks to everyone for their posts.
I recently had my ex fix remove from my tibia … knly one of the hole has had a hard time healing… one of these holes keeps forming a small circular scab with a root like white rubbery structure growing down into the hole. Is this normal and what is this? It takes just a day after removing before a new one grows back.
Usually white in wound areas suggests white blood cells…meaning possible infection. In fact, pin sight infections are a common problem with ex fixes.
Call your doctor for an exam of this.
Great advise!!! LEARN EVERYTHING about TPF.
BEFORE you go to see your doc, WRITE down every little question you have, even if you “Think” it is “silly.”
Take out your pocket sized notebook & WRITE down h/is/er responses. I use this technique with EVERY doctor I go to, and they ABSOLUTELY Respect you as a patient, and believe me, they will take MORE time with YOU.
Most docs will confide that they LOVE when a patient writes down & ASKS specific questions, because MOST of their patients don’t ask ANYTHING.
Even the docs get bored. They also go thru their day seeing TOO many patients (New Health Care in USA means VOLUME=$$).
Also, be excited & appreciative to your doc, his assistant & the front desk secretary!
They REMEMBER you, and will treat you VERY well in the future!
And, PLEASE…..BE EXCITED about learning more about your body & your injury. Translate/SHARE this DESIRE for learning.
I’m so sorry that this happened to you at such a young age! I was 58. Now I am back to Pilates, & exercising DAILY!
Stay well…and even AFTER you heal…keep coming back to this website.
We are here for each other to share & LEARN all the new stuff about this injury!
Love to you!
RevRob
Hello, everybody. I am so glad I found this site and see so many people are going through the same thing. I am 18 years old and suffered a tpf fracture and a torn meniscus on 8/14/14, running a 40 yard dash in football. I have a lot of questions, but dont know where to start. I am currently in a full leg cast for three more weeks,but my doctor hasnt told me how long I will be NWB or if I will require a different type of cast or anything really. Any help with this would be greatly appreciated.
Hi, Jimmy.
There are different types and severity levels with a TPF, so everyone is different.
When you see your doctor next, some basic questions to ask: Was the fracture dislocated or not? Will the meniscus tear be repaired surgically? When can I start physical therapy and ROM exercises (very, very important)? What is the plan after the cast comes off?
I also think it’s a good idea to see your xrays and have the doctor explain what he/she sees.
Good luck to you!