A Tibial Plateau fracture is really not much fun, but it helps if you are prepared and in many cases doctors will not prepare you properly for daily life after your injury. If I had to give you only one piece of Advice on Tibial Plateau eracture recovery it would be: be patient. And in the end, it’s not as bad as it looks.
Below is a more elaborate list of time-tested knowledge and information on different subjects related to your Tibial Plateau fracture. There are also separate sections for the different stages of recovery (from the menu above choose “1-8 weeks” etc.)
*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*
What to expect – overview
You will be leaving the hospital on crutches, usually with a hinged brace. For the first few weeks you will experience quite a few different uncomfortable symptoms but these all pass quickly. Natural symptoms include limited range of motion in your leg (in the knee and ankle joints) as well as pain, heat flashes, edema and stiffness Some of these will be caused by the fact that you are not completely mobile. Things will progress from here until in the end you are (in most cases) completely able to do your everyday activities, but it will take some time and hard work.
Time to recovery
Recovery from a Tibial Plateau fracture is different from person to person. It depends very much on the exact type and specifics of injury, your age, prior issues, level of physical activity, physiotherapy, nutrition and many other factors. Given all of these differences it is still quite safe to say that for most people, if you the injury was treated by surgery, you will still be in some kind of recovery for a complete year after your injury¹. In most cases it will be more than that, Improvement showing up to three years after. This sounds like a lot, and it is, but I can assure you that it does get better and that for most people after a few months your the injury will not prevent you from continuing with you daily life and you will be able to do all your daily activities to some extent including walking short distances, going out, meeting with friends, going to work etc.
Weight Bearing
For a period of about 6-8 weeks after the surgery you will be NWB (non-wait-baring), this means that you can not put any pressure on your knee and leg and will need to use a wheelchair, crutches or both. For some injuries it might take up to 12 weeks until allowed FWB(Full weight bearing). Depending on your doctor and your specific health condition you will be moving from NWB to PWB (Partial Weight bearing) or FWBAT (Full weight bearing as tolerated). This period of NWB will cause many mobility concerns and will affect your daily routine.
Mobility
You will be spending a few days in a hospital bed then progressing to a wheel chair and crutches, which you will be using for about 2 months, possibly followed by a single crutch and walking stick (see paragraph above – “weight bearing”). It could be up to 3 months on crutches, and up to 6 still using a walking stick (but usually much less). Also expect that initially you won’t be able to bend your knee much for a few weeks. This is called limited ROM (range-of-motion). Crutches are hard to use at first, and may be painful on the hands and shoulder, but don’t worry you will get used to them very quickly. And as a bonus you will develop very strong arm muscles. In some cases, overuse and pressure on your hands can cause secondary injuries to your wrists, arms or shoulders. If you are in pain from using crutches take it easy and use a wheelchair for a short while. You should also consider testing different types of crutches. Forearm crutches are usually more comfortable (then underarm) and come in ergonomic varieties. Today many advanced crutches also support ergonomic designs, anti-slip, and special features (link, link). Underarm crutches are usually safer then regular forearm crutches (link), but tend to be less comfortable, and don’t come with as many smart designs. Platform crutches might be good for people with a poor grip, but I haven’t tried them myself. Some crutches will also have shock absorbers to help your wrists and arms absorb shock (link).
All this will require that you prepare for a period of partial mobility. Things you might be limited in doing include – walking up and down stairs, house jobs (cleaning, cooking, washing), carrying things from place to place (no free hands when using crutches), reaching high and low cabinets, showering. At first, you might also have trouble getting dressed and undressed but this will pass quickly. The best way to deal with this is have friends, partners & family help you with everyday chores and prepare the house as much as possible to make things easier. A few things you could do are:
- Get a shower chair so that you are able to shower without bearing weight (link) and possibly also invest in some big bags or drycast or other cast covers (link) so that you can shower without taking your brace or cast off during the first few weeks.
- Be very careful when using crutches in a wet surface because you could easily slip. Even more dangerous is if the crutches are wet and the floor is not. Make sure to dry the bottom of your crutches on a towel before leaving the shower.
- If your crutches are very old and the tips are cracked, replace the tips with new rubber tips. The come very cheaply (link)
- Use a gripper (link) to be able to reach those unreachable cabinets and to be able to grasp and retrieve items you would not be able to otherwise while on a wheel chair (link).
- Make sure that someone prepares food and goes shopping for you. Other options include ordering in prepared food and ordering groceries online.
- If your bed is on the second floor, Consider sleeping in a different room if you find it hard to get up the stairs. You can also climb stairs with crutches, or sitting down.
- High and low cabinets are are hard to reach. Try moving things around so that they are easier to reach. Doors on low cabinets can also be unhinged to allow for easier access with a wheel chair. They can easily be put back on later.
- More useful ideas can be found in the “logistics” section and “Tips & Tricks“
Physiotherapy
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Physiotherapy is going to be a regular part of your life. The are several goals: increase ROM, increase muscle-mass, teach your musculoskeletal system to operate as before and increase your stability. It is very very important that you start physiotherapy as early as possible and keep at it until you are completely better. This is the one factor that will affect your recovery more then any other and it is completely up to you. I’ve written a complete section on physiotherapy alone. Usually you will be given exercises to perform from your physiotherapist. At the very beginning you will probably not be able to bend or straighten your knee at all. This can be quite frightening but don’t be alarmed. Initially exercises will aim to teach your neurological system to control the leg again. It might even only be hours before you will start to be able to bend your leg, or it could be a few days. After this, during the NWB (not in all cases) period you will be performing gentle exercises to enhance your ROM, strengthen your muscles and reduce stiffness, sometimes using stretch bands(link). Exercises might be done at home or in a medical center. It is very important that during this stage you follow PT instructions and do the exercises as soon as possible and as much as possible. This will reduce stiffness, boost recovery and give you a better chance at developing good ROM. When you progress to WB, physiotherapy will include many exercises with weights and machinery with the aim of gaining stability and muscle and to exercise everyday activities like walking. I can not emphasize enough how important it is that you keep at it (even if it means you go to work less). To be able to do physiotherapy at home you can consider purchasing light ankle weights(link). For more info and tips, have a look at the physiotherapy section.
Medical professional
Several medical professionals will be involved in your recovery process, including the radiologists, the OS (“operating surgeon”), Physiotherapist and sometimes others. You will be having regular checkups with them. It is very important that you make sure your OS is a good one, and that you consult with him on every question you have. Be curious and ask everything you want to know. Sometimes doctors will not be generous with information, make sure that you get your answers. You deserve them. Seek extra information in sites like this one (more sites in the further reading section). In many cases the PT and the OS will be discussing your condition either directly or passing notes through you. Make sure that they talk if they are not already talking, but remember that when they give contradicting advice – the opinion of the OS is always the one to go by. You might also want to consider getting a second opinion both before or after your surgery.
Diet
Bone healing requires quite a lot of nutritional help, especially during the first 3 months(This is when the bone is healing), so make sure to eat well, and consider supplementation. For your healing to progress well you need to make sure that you get a lot of Calories, Protein, Antioxidants and minerals. During the first few weeks of healing your body will consume about 2-3(!) times as many calories as normal. This is about 6000 calories per day, so no need to feel bad if you’re eating a lot and very hungry. It’s all going to healing.
Protein is an Important nutritional ingredient. By volume, roughly half of your bone is comprised of protein, and you will also need to get a lot of it to reduce muscle atrophy as much as possible. If you think you are not getting enough protein consider using protein powder to supplement your daily protein intake (link), or adding protein rich food to your diet (meat, eggs, milk products, nuts & seeds).
Minerals are very important for several reasons. By weight bone is about 70% minerals. These are the building blocks of your bones. The high need for minerals will mean you might no be getting enough of them, which can cause other problems. If you are depleted in magnesium for example this may cause muscle cramps which are not much fun during a Tibial Plateau fracture. Consider using a multi-vitamin(link) containing minerals during the recovery process just to be sure. Studies have shown a lower rate of complications in healing in people taking multi-vitamins (link). The most important minerals to consume are Zinc, Copper, Calcium and Silicon.
Vitamins are the catalysts for the process of healing and are also in high need during recovery. Vitamins that play an important role in bone healing include: Vitamin C, Vitamin K, the Vitamin B-series. Be sure to eat a varied diet and Consider using a multi-vitamin for Vitamins and minerals (link).
Anti-Infalmmatory Nutrients help reduce inflammation and pain. Bone creates a lot of inflammation which causes pain. Unfortunately it is not advisable to take NSAID (Non Steroidal anti-inflammatory Drugs) during the bone recovery process as these slow recovery. Natural Anti inflammatory agents that may work to reduce pain include Vitmain C, Omega-3 (link) and others.
There are many foods you should avoid. Some foods will interrupt normal absorption of nutrients and their consumption should be limited. Some of these are:
- Salt or foods prepared with lots of salt
- More than one cup of coffee or other caffeine beverages. If possible, avoid coffee altogether.
- Sugar
- Chocolate (because to caffeine content)
- Soft drinks and carbonated beverages
- Alcohol (it inhibits calcium absorption)
- Caffeine (it increases rate of calcium loss and inhibits absorption)
Pain
Pain is an unpleasant but normal part of recovery. You will be experiencing different types of pain and discomfort throughout your recovery. Pain might be felt in different parts of the leg, and won’t neccesarily concentrate only around the knee. Most pain comes during the first few days and weeks after the surgery. Pain management is an important part of your recovery and you should not be in constant pain. You should use pain medication as advised by your OS or hospital medical staff. If you are unable to use the medication prescribed by your doctor or are more comfortable using a different type of pain medication remember that some types of painkillers should not be taken for long periods of time(read the label!), and that you should never take NSAID as pain-killer while the bone is still healing. These types of medications will postpone healing. Brands included in the NSAID group which you should not use include Aspirin, Motrin, Ibufen, diclofenac, naproxen and others. Don’t use these. Instead use what is recommended by your medical staff or another medication that is not a NSAID. In some case, mostly in the first days you might experience more severe pain that can be treated with stronger drugs. This is normal, but if you experience abnormally strong pain or other abnormal symptoms, get yourself evacuated to a medical center as this is usually nothing but could be a sign of a complication. Make that in the first few weeks you have a bottle or box of painkillers in your pocket so that it’s always handy. Remember – liquid pain medication usually act faster then the tablet equivalent of the same brand.
Staying at home/Mental Health
You might be staying at home a lot and will be quite immobile for a while. This can get affect your mood very much and can at some point get depressing, especially if you are used to being very active. There is no magic pill for this, choose a good book, and a good TV series and try to regularly talk to as many friends, family and close people as possible. The proximity of friends and close ones is very important. You might also want to find a community of people who have suffered from Tibial Plateau fracture before who share your experiences and feelings. There are several such communities, and some of them they can be in the further reading section of this website. Also, try to do as much exercise as you possibly can. Even if this means exercising while sitting or lying down. This can give real boost to your mood. Another good Idea is to start watching a new TV-show you’ve never had time to watch, or subscribe to online video providers like netflix or amazon prime (link). If in need, consult a psychologist or mental health professional. It is quite normal to be affected by a prolonged period of immobility and recovery, and a psychologist will be able to help with this.
Physical Activity
You will eventually probably be able to do anything you were able to do before your injury. However, this might take a long time (1 or more year for some sports) and you might have to be careful when doing extreme sports. There is a limited amount of things that you may not be able to do exactly as before, for example some yoga postures will not be possible with limited ROM, but you can always work around these limitations by doing things slightly differently. Also, you might experience some pain which will be limiting. If you want to take up a fitness activity shortly after the injury bicycling and swimming are both good options which will also help with recovery. Upper body weight training might also be a good option but will not directly advance your recovery.
Work
You Might be dying to get back to work or could be in need for a vacation. Going back to work is something that very much depends on you and on your specific job and state of mind. Some people go back to work on crutches after 4 weeks (me, for example), while others might wait a whole 6 months. There is a good side to going back to work (aside from money) since you will be interacting with people all day long and will not be bored. The important thing to remember is that you must avoid overworking and stressing yourself out. When you go to work it is important that you leave enough time and mental energy to be able to do your physiotherapy as much as you need, to rest, to relax and to visit your medical professional. This will allow your body to recover. You might be tempted to sacrifice your physio for your career. Don’t do that. Your career will still be there when you recover, the condition of your leg is something you will be living with forever.
Sex
There is no physical limitation from having sex as soon as the initial pain has subsided, but this injury can affect your sex life, something which you will not find a lot of information about and your doctor might not tell you. Decreased mobility in one leg and one leg which is half the strength of the other can naturally affect sex. This gets better as your leg heals and strengthens, and you will need to ask your partner to be patient as you progress through the recovery process.
On a good note
Tibial plateau Recovery takes a long time but at the end of the process you are looking at excellent recovery and usually a fully functional life. Moreover, trying to find the good embedded in the bad, this injury can help you put things in perspective and appreciate all the things you have in life: friends, family, health, a loving spouse. It gives you an opportunity to stop and think about what matters most.
So if they r talking about another surgery because my knee is not bending as much as it should be what does that mean? I seriously don’t think I can go through all of this again
Starr-very welcome!! I believe that they don’t usually do the hardware removal surgery before 6 months post-op. Good luck with whatever you decide to do. Definitely keep us posted!
Kitt,
You are very welcome and with respect to second surgery, it was NOTHING compared to first surgery. You walk out of the hospital and it’s same-day surgery (outpatient). I only needed to take Tylenol the next day and a few days after that but, honestly, nothing at all like first surgery. Stitches came out 2 weeks later and I was back at work within a month. (I could have gone back to work sooner but decided to wait until stitches were out and I felt ready)
Anyway, it really was nothing at all like first surgery. Do whatever feels right to you. I was uncomfortable and felt my hardware and saw it bulging on the side.
Continued good luck to you!!!
Barbara,
Thanks for this. My plate is bulging too, and the PT Dr. thinks it is limiting my ROM. I’m only 7 weeks post op but plan to talk with OS at next checkup to see when would be ideal to remove the hardware. Good to know how easy the recovery is so I can plan accordingly.
Starr
Hi Kitt! Yes, my foot hurt so much in the beginning when I first began to put weight on it. My husband would rub my foot nightly for me and I would ice it. It hurt a lot!! I believe this to be 100% normal.
A little bit about myself-I am 60 years old, was 59 at time of injury. (Was hit by a car.) This occurred in December of 2015. Had surgery 5 days after injury. A plate and 7 screws put in. Non-weight bearing for 3 months except at 7 1/2 weeks was allowed to put 30% (I think) weight on leg while using walker which is the equivalent of crushing a grape tomato with your foot. I had numbness and tingling in the foot until I was allowed to fully weightbear. When I first began to walk, it was not fun. Needed a cane most of the time. Even with all of the p/t I did, the strength wasn’t great. The more I walked, the better it got but I definitely was in some discomfort especially at night. The foot was swollen by nighttime and as I said earlier, my husband had to massage it. I continued with p/t for almost a year and did my at-home exercises. I am almost 15 months post-surgery and I am just about back to how I was prior to my injury except for trying to run. I can’t quite run-it’s more like a fast walk. Also, I am not an athlete and never was so I don’t expect to be able to do things now that I wasn’t too good at before.
One more thing, I had my hardware removed at 8 months post-surgery. Best decision ever!! I felt the metal all the time and had difficulty kneeling before the hardware removal but now my knee/leg feels great and is better than my other leg which is very arthritic.
I thank God for this website because there is only so much info the doctors give. It has been a lifesaver and saved me from many moments of depression.
Good luck and keep up what you’re doing. It sounds like you are headed in the right direction! Keep us posted on your journey!
Thanks Barb! That’s comforting knowing my foot aches are normal. I’m thinking the extended nwb contributed to my foots slow reaction to walking. Sounds silly, but I forgot how to use my foot/ toes properly when walking – now I’m imitating my right foot & it seems to be helping.
It’s interesting to hear about having the hardware removed… My surgeon recommended I not be cut open again unless it’s causing serious issues. Honestly, even knowing it won’t be as invasive, I’m a little scared to go through surgical recovery again… I’ll see how I feel in a few months.
Thanks to you, Barb, and everyone else sharing stories. It’s incredibly comforting & helpful.
Thank you. On reading this a lot of things i have worried about has put my mind at rest
I had an unfortunate injury in my right leg near knee joint on 21.12.16. CT scan on same day revealed that there is fracture in Lateral Condyle Tibia Right with Die Punch Central Depression.
Was operated and surgeon confirmed insertion of 7 hole 3.5 Raft Titanium plate with Synthetic bone grafting. Physiotherapist is visiting daily at residence for physiotherapy exercises. Stitch removed on 07.01.2017.
Doctor advised partial weight bearing on 22.01.2017. I have resumed office on 31.01.2017 and also started giving full weight since 17.02.2017. Experiencing stiffness and little bit pain.
Is it safe to put Full weight bearing approx. after two months. please advise.
I had a bi-condylar tpf back on Sept 20, got in for surgery the following day, NWB until Dec 13th. Fortunately, one of my 3 jobs didn’t require heavy lifting or being up on my feet, so I’ve been able to work 3 days a week after 5 weeks. But between physio payments and having to drive/ transit instead of walk/ bike, the financial strain is still significant. The depression lingers, but getting out of the house helps. I get around with a cane when outside, mostly as a heads up to others to give me space. A few things I’m dealing with now at 5 months; Getting to full knee extension takes some warming up so affects my walking but heel to butt ROM is good. Quad isn’t firing the way I’d like. Skin sensitivity on leg, mainly around the scar. But the main physical issue at the moment is my foot… Incredibly frustrating as I didn’t injure it & I feel it’s preventing me from getting rid of this heavy limp. There is varying levels of discomfort on the top of my foot when I’m transferring off the ball of my foot into the toes to step into my other foot. Been diligently spelling out the alphabet, side sweeps, towel scrunches, massage balls, etc to no avail. Anyone experience this?
For anyone just starting their recovery, it might get dark… I definitely have symptoms of post traumatic stress, depression & anxiety. It was scary using crutches on stairs, in the rain – it was tiring & frustrating getting dressed, using a backpack, etc. But I did/ do my best to focus on the small victories in each day/ week/ month. The first time back in a real bed. Using the toilet/ bathing on my own. Getting out in a wheelchair. Sleeping on my stomach!! Taking a few steps. Being an active person with a creative/ physical job, it is frustrating not being myself. I have all this time but not the creative will or physical ability to make use of it – some days not even a desire to do much of anything. It’s tough, but stay focused & don’t be afraid to reach out to friends/ family when you need them. The “On A Good Note” section is so, so true…
Just got back from my 8 week meeting with the OS. I had a type 5/6 break (he couldnt decide..). The bone is healing well but I have lot of scar tissue and issues from previous kneecap and femur break. My range of motion is terrible. I cant straighten my leg and also can only bend to 45deg (which takes alot of warming up). My femur destroyed the top of my tibia pretty much. I had a bi-chondular tpf in my other leg (along with the femur/kneecap in left) 12yrs ago but recovered from that very quickly all things consdered and was cycling about 4/5 very hilly miles in 6 months. I wont be doing that this time!
I have been given the go ahead to start weight bearing but just tried and its difficult as I cant straighten. I haven’t had any pt so he said he would arrange that (about time!)
Not looking forward to this recovery period, its gonna be along one and I fear i’ll never get back to my previous level of recovery from the last break. He did say anything over 90 will be a tough order in my case 🙁
Im wondeting, i work as a nurses aide in a hospital. I also hv a depressed fx, hes going to xray weekly and watch healing, and decide if it neexs surgery. Im wondering if i will ever be abls to do my job again, pushing 650 lb beds across the hospital, lifting patients, being on my feet walking for 8 hrs, or is there a chance i will need to file for disability.. i just cant see being able to do that job anymore.
Wendy,
I can’t speak to whether you’ll return to your nurse’s aide job, but I want to thank you for the work you do! This injury was my first hospitalization and with 2 surgeries in 4 days and 2 more days in-patient, the nursing staff were my heroes! I would suggest you talk to your doctor about how long he thinks your recovery will be to see if you can get at least short-term disability.
Hi, I did this horrible thing while skiing. I knew there was something really wrong when I saw my leg bent in the wrong direction. It’s almost been 2 weeks since the surgery. My fracture is a level 6. I am 49 and in good shape and doing alot of my own research on line. I have a hinged brace and am using a walker to get around. The worst part is trying to sleep. There are no comfortable positions. Not to mention it’s the couch cause I can’t go down stairs to sleep in the bed. But luckily everything I need is upstairs. ( I guess that’s the positive). I am going to my first P.T session on Monday. If you have any advice, please share.
Susan,
Advice: stay positive and be patient–this type of injury takes a long time to recover from! As for sleeping, I slept on the couch the first 4 weeks and would elevate my leg by putting my foot on the armrest, and putting a pillow under as necessary to avoid discomfort. I hate sleeping on my back so when I moved to the bed I put a pillow between my knees and laid on my side. I do find myself tossing and turning in my sleep (less frequently now–I’m at 6 weeks post op), so I roll and end up with the pillow under my injured leg. I do sleep without the brace 90% of the time, so that helps, too. I hope you can get comfortable soon And can get some good sleep!
Starr
Susan,
I’m 7 weeks post op and PT as been a lifesaver. I go twice a week and I follow the directions to the letter. I’m almost at full range of motion now. I slept on the couch for 6 weeks after surgery. It was just easier. You don’t try to roll over in your sleep when you’re on the couch. I didn’t wear my brace overnight. That helped me get a little more comfortable. The only advice I can give is try to straighten your leg as much as possible. I didn’t the first few weeks and it made PT extra painful for awhile. If you’re using a walker you are ahead of the game. I rented a wheelchair. I was so clumsy with the walker and crutches and I was worried I would injury myself even more. I just started weight bearing exercises this week. I can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel. I think I will be continuing PT for another 6 months. Good luck!!!! No more skiing for me……
My injury happened cross country skiing. No surgery needed!
I am a very active person, running, cross country skiing, biking, hiking…,
What I want to know is , will I be able to resume my lifestyle?
I’m a 59 year old woman, retired letter carrier (walked) for 30 years, have some osteoarthritis in all joints. But not debilitating . Also I’m going bonkers not be able to do anything!!!! And when can I start PT?
Thanks!!!
Kathy
Kathy,
I’m no expert, but I had a severe case with surgery and the doctor had me starting PT before I even left the hospital! I would recommend you contact your doctor to see what he/she wants. Unfortunately for me, when I left the hospital the PT clinic I was referred to couldn’t see me for 2 weeks and I am behind in achieving my ROM goals–it only gets harder over time as scar tissue builds up. I wish I had those 2 weeks back (I hit 6 was post-op today).
Again, your case is different but I would think you should be moving your knee as early as possible to regain as much of your old capabilities as you can in the long run. Please check with your doctor.
Starr
Thanks Star
Went to my OS yesterday, he unlocked my hinged brace so I can start bending it to 60 degree. But no PT yet, and no weight bearing for another 3 weeks.
He said my break is non displaced and dose not want that bone to move and that PT usually pushes patients to far and can disrupt the healing.
Maybe because I do not have pins or plates in there to stabilize it.
But he did authorize you to start bending, which is great! As you may have read, many do PT on their own at home, such as heel slides, to get that knee bending. Hopefully you’ll have much success and hit 60 in no time. I am stuck just shy of 90 it seems, and I am so tired of heel slides! I still have 6 more weeks of NWB and know what you mean about going bonkers! Hang in there, and I wish you a speedy recovery!
Starr and Kathy,
Have you rented a wheelchair? I was so uncoordinated with the crutches and walker so I rented one. I’ve found rolling forward and backward while keeping my foot (in shoes) on the floor really helped with my ROM. It’s easy to do while watching tv or if I’m out and about and not doing anything. I’ve found I do 3x more than I did when I was just doing heel slides. Good luck ladies!
Thanks Starr!
I have been having a numb feeling with some pain along the front of my leg down to the ankle, with bruising and some swelling? Does anyone else have that? I keep thinking it’s from the brace ?? Anyone have any ideas?
Kathy,
I definitely had bruising, swelling and pain from the brace, mainly on the outside of my leg. As time goes on, it has disappeared for the most part. I do have some numbness near my incision, that may never go away, and also in my toes that comes and goes. Hang in there, it does get better!
Starr
Erin,
I do have a wheelchair in addition to crutches, but I haven’t used it as you said–but I will try tonight! Not sure if my feet can touch the floor from the chair. I did buy a skateboard as someone else suggested, and use it while seated to improve ROM. I am 7 weeks post op today and have finally passed 90 and am hopeful I’ll reach the 120 goal by 12 weeks! Thanks again for the tip!
Hi Kathy,
I am also a retired letter carrier, walked 10 miles for 22 years, then I applied for a IT JOB and worked that for another 14 years at the USPS. KUDOS to you for doing it for 30 years, it got so hard for me after just 22 years.
I was out of state, visiting my daughter, when I tripped and fell on a rug in a school. I fell hard on the cement floor. Concussion, broken nose, broken hand, sprained ankle and Tibea Plateau fracture. It is four months today, that I had my accident.
I was in the hospital for 8 days, nursing home for 8 weeks and I was able to go home for Christmas with a wheelchair. No surgery on my Tibea, Dr said it wasn’t necessary.
I just startedweight bearing in a pool at PT. I am practicing with a walker and a hinged brace, but it’s going slow. So much pain. We have a trip to Europe planned in 6 months, doctor advised I cancel the trip. He says recovery time for me, will be well over a year.
The hardest part for me was the depression (closed head injury didn’t help). Visitors came at the beginning, but after four months I feel like I’ve been forgotten by family and friends. Stay positive and compare each day to where you were a month ago and you’ll see the improvement. Best of luck to you.
Debbie,
What a terrible accident! My TPF alone is a year recovery–I can’t imagine having to recover from your other injuries as well! I know how heartbreaking postponing your trip to Europe must be. I currently live in Germany and am unable to enjoy the experience. And Europe is NOT handicap friendly! My parents arrive in 2 days for a 3-week visit, and I feel guilty I can’t do more with them–there are stairs and cobblestones everywhere, and very few elevators. Although disappointing, delaying your trip until you are more fully healed will let you enjoy it more. Also, please know that you are not forgotten and never alone–your fellow TPF’ers are here for you. All the best to you!
Debbie
I hope your recovery is continuing! I go back to my OS on the 9 th of March. It will be 6 weeks of non weight bearing!
I did not need surgery, thank goodness!
The depression is real and a struggle! My husband is helping a lot! Just getting out of the house to do mondane things like grocery shop is helpful!
I have been doing my own PT , crunches, leg bending, to 60 , ankle moves etc.
I’m hoping to be able to do some weight bearing after my docs appointment! Maybe swimming and bike riding!
I hope that you are getting better daily! Get outside when ever you can, even if it’s just to sit in the sunshine! I’ll be thinking of you. Good luck!
Kathy
Anthwal,
I would crutch to the bathroom with the assistance of my husband and he would hold my leg out in front of me until we discovered that if we put a box or small stool in front of me, I could support my leg on that. That was sitting, of course 🙂
I was partially weight bearing at 6 1/2 weeks, with crutches. Not sure if I could have used a walker at that point because it was so painful to put my foot down. I got a wheelchair for downstairs so I could roll around the kitchen instead of having to stay in the bedroom upstairs. It’s a long road but you’ll get there!
Hey Vince,
Everyone is different as you will no doubt see if you read through old posts. I was partially weight bearing at 6 1/2 weeks, which is kinda of early. I think 8 is typical. At the two month marker (and for awhile thereafter) I could only bend my knee to 45 degrees. My doctor wasn’t happy with that. You need to get that thing bending or the road to range of motion will be a long one. Do heel slides in bed and any other exercises you can find. Good luck to you!!
Hi Kathy,
Sorry to hear about your situation. Mine is similar – skiing and my first ride down in a sled in 30 plus years. I wasnt even moving that fast when it happened – just hyperextended so severely that my femur dug into my tibia.
What was your surgery exactly? Mine is tomorrow and I am a bit nervous. It’s encouraging to hear that you’ve got some mobility back. Any word on when you’ll be able to be PWB?
My career was not still there for me when i could return to work. I worked for a small company and they did not hold my job for me. I am now struggling to find a job that i can learn and not get very stressed out from. This injury is the worst thing that has ever happened to me and has made my life horrible.
Sharon, I am very sorry about your situation. Recovery is bad enough without having to worry about your job. I pray that a good opportunity comes your way and that some day you can look back and see a silver lining from your injury.