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*
Hey kids ! 41 year old male here, TPF almost a year ago now. I had surgery to repair the fractures and have 2 plates and 10 screws in. I’ve read many different stories in regards to TPF’s and they typically don’t end well. This injury will be an injury we will always be aware of and it will always limit us; however, never give up the fight !! It will turn out to be mental as well as physical. I have learned that recovery will be never ending. Most importantly though , be patient, don’t force anything and take it slowly , one day at a time. I had a great surgeon and great physical therapists ; the rest is up to me. I believe daily stretching to be crucial in moving forward , followed by strength training. I am now in a place where I am squatting 120 lbs and slowly adding weight, and it feels good !! I will start power walking and move into jogging here this next week and hopefully all will go well. I most certainly feel all your pain and am empathetic for you all. Keep the faith everyone !! Never give up !!! Take it slowly and be smart about things. Good luck and all the best !!!
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Hi all, I’m a 21 female and sustained a tpf around 7 weeks ago. On the 23rd of March I injured myself after an awkward jump playing basketball (a jar and twist at the same time). I was in hospital for 5 nights after an X-ray and scans confirmed large fracture across the tibia and fibula and some hairline fractures (about 6) on the tp, I also have ligament damage. My surgeon decided not to operate in the end because of the current instability of the bones but may have to get some later down the line… I have a Richard brace which about a week ago the surgeon unlocked so I have full range of motion. However I am really struggling straightening my leg as before it was locked at 45 degrees- has anyone else had this? Any advice? I try little and often but can’t get past 15 degrees- it hurts too much and my hamstrings too tight. I also get shooting pains occasionally even when it’s elevated and still. As I am trying to finish my dissertation I am reluctant to start taking my pain killers again. I see the consultant in week 9 when I hope to start weight bearing- is there anything I could do to prepare myself? Also, a bit gross (sorry!) but I have had a huge build up of skin on my foot! Mostly on the ball but also between the toes and ankle. I assume because I’m non weight bearing but it’s so disgusting! Any advice? Also has anyone else had to wait for there fracture to heal before having surgery? Would be interested to hear. 🙂 thanks in advance!
Hey Emily. If it were me, I think I may get a second opinion. Your surgery will be the first critical part of your recovery. Do some research and make sure you’re comfortable with that person and they are well respected in their field. I’m 10 months out of surgery and I feel the effects every single minute of the day. This is a life altering injury but one you can manage. After 3 months of NWB every part of my leg below the knee has been affected. You should expect this. I continue to feel pressure in my shin and around my knee. My knee, my ankle , crack and creak and moan but along as there’s no pain associated with it , it’s going to be normal. Whatever you experience, to a degree, is going to be normal, as long as there’s no pain !! Find yourself a very good orthopedic surgeon followed by very good physical therapists ! After that , you have to want it . Work hard but be smart about it. It’s going to feel like one step forward, two steps back, it did for me, it does for me, but NEVER give up ! Good luck to you ! I hope it goes well !!
Hi Emily, I also had a tpf from basketball involving a wedge-shaped break of the tibia, compression fracture across the plateau and fibula displacement. I had to wait 4 days for the swelling to go down before surgery to install a t-piece metal plate and 6 screws. I was in a brace and then crutches and had (am still having a year later) plenty of physio. Waiting for your bones to heal a little before surgery is common if the area is unstable, but if you have any doubts, ask more questions or get another opinion.
Before weight bearing your surgeon will probably check your range of motion is improving. See a physiotherapist on a weekly basis, perhaps twice a week. I had the reverse problem to you! As I was locked dead straight in my brace, my knee wouldn’t bend to 45 degrees when my brace was unlocked. It took about a month. Focus on making small improvements daily, don’t stress about not being able to do everything all at once. It will take time and your physio will guide you through that process, including stretching your muscles and ligaments etc. to assist range of motion without straining.
I also found excess skin from the swelling and non weight bearing to be a total surprise (!) and yes, a bit gross. My husband was a huge help and would gently wash it off with a wet towel. Keeping it hydrated helped a lot, so invest in a good moisturising lotion.
I have some nerve damage on the top of my foot and around my knee from the injury, which during the first few weeks back home was very painful (felt like burning and zapping pain). Also keeping my foot warm enough due to the circulation problems was difficult. The surgeon said it may take another year to regain feeling. You should discuss your shooting pains with your doctor, it could be nerve pain and may just take time to heal.
I was prescribed oxycontin & endone, paracetamol and vitamin c. I took them daily and needed to for the pain. My physio has been the best medicine and the bi-monthly massage to loosen the tightness in my leg is heavenly. A year on from my injury, I still have a lot of work to do and do clinical pilates weekly, but I wouldn’t be where I am now without my amazing surgeon and physio. Like Terry says, these are the two people you really need so make sure you’re happy with them! Good luck.
Hello everyone,
Back in January I was in a ski accident resulting in an avulsion fracture to my TP caused by the sudden and strong pull of my ACL when I fell. I am 12 weeks PO and am 75% WB on crutches and going to PT 4 times a week. The biggest struggle is that my knee cap is pretty immobile and it seems like I have a lot of scar tissue that is keeping my from bending more than 65% degrees and my extension is still very much a struggle. I can get it straight with passive force but not with mere movement. My PT is convinced that my OS needs to go in and do a scope to get all of the scar tissue out. However, my OS seems to be taking more of the long term healing approach and doesn’t want to do anything but steady PT until I’m better.
As of today, I’ve been passed up for a promotion because of my lack of physical ability (of course they didn’t say that but it’s pretty obvious). My question is, does anyone have any experience with an avulsion fracture specifically? Apparently they make things extra sensitive and recovery go from 6-9 weeks to more like 4-6 months.
Additionally, has anyone had a scope done to break up the scar tissue in their knees? I keep hearing of this working wonders but wonder if it’s even an option for my type of injury. I just want to get better faster (obviously).
Thanks so much and I hope everyone is benefitting from seeing that they are not alone! This sucks. Don’t let anyone minimize that, but apparently it does get better!
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Anyone having trouble logging in to wordpress? Getting message saying no email or username associated with this account. I haven’t posted in a while. Getting overwhelmed by all the emails. This site has really taken off in the the almost 2 years since my injury. Wanted to reduce the daily volume of emails delivered, but I can no longer log in to change my subscription preferences. Is anyone else experiencing this? Thanks in advance for any help.
Chris
I found out yesterday that my tibia and fibula fractures that I had along with my TPF fracture haven’t healed and I’m going to be back to NWB for six weeks and have to use a bone stimulator. My question is has anyone used a bone stimulator? And if so what was the result and what can I expect? The DR doesn’t know why the TPF fracture healed and the others didn’t, its been almost 7 months since my accident.
Never used a bone stimulator. I’m taking supplements to help with bone growth, bone strengthening, inflammation, and for pain. Omega-3 Fish Oil, Magnesium, Calcium, Vitamin K2, Vitamin C, Vitamin D3, Collagen Type 1, Silica, Multi-Mineral, Glucosamine, Chondroitin, MSM. I’m 53, and want my body to have what it needs to knit this bone back together. It was noticeable that bone was fusing back together at my 3 week check up after accident. I figure, it can’t hurt and no way I’m getting the nutrients I need to bring me back from this trauma by eating. Good luck, Mary and so sorry you are back to non-weight bearing. I’m still there too…..it’s been 4 1/2 weeks for me.
I had surgery for a TPF on July 2. Unfortunately, I had the surgery in Houston but am now in Pennsylvania and haven’t been referred to a new surgeon yet. I don’t even know how many screws I have. The fibula was also broken, so based on the comments I’ve read so far, l’m probably facing a long recovery.
30 years ago I broke the same leg just above the ankle. The bones simply would not heal. After about 6 months in a full leg cast, my doctor suggested a bone stimulator. It was new technology at the time. There was immediate signs of bone growth, and it continued to heal normally after that. I wish I could recall how many weeks thereafter I was completely healed, but it was less than 3 months.
I am hoping that I won’t need the stimulator today, but I plan to discuss it with whomever takes over my care. 30 years ago I smoked and drank a lot of whiskey during recovery and I suspect that impaired the healing. That’s not the case now, so I’ll see if it makes a difference.
But, yes, bone stimulators really work.
Hey everyone, I am 16 years old and a little over 7 months ago I suffered a tpf fracture during a football game. I had to have surgery and along with the TPF, I tore my meniscus and had three screws put in. I have a nine inch scar right down the middle of my knee and on (my right) side if the scar there is like a squishy bump. I only have pain on that side and my physical thrrapist said it was swelling in the joint? I was wondering if this could be a result of the screws or it is just swelling and/ or excess fluid or something? Also my OS said he had no problem with me trying to play football next year, but it is taking forever to regain my muscle mass. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Please everyone,I had an accident August 2014 since then treatment was been taking but later the lag was amputated on 28/1/2015 since then, the leg is discharging puss what can I do stop the puss?
Go to a doctor or hospital. It needs professional medical attention.
Bad deal on that type 6. That’s the same thing I had. Thought mine was a 5 but I talked to the doc last week and boy I was wrong. Didn’t sleep for the first 6 months after surgery except maybe 20 mins at a time while still going to work full time at 2 jobs. Thing is try to keep a smile on your face. Its going to be a long time before you can bend it enough to call a limb again. May 3rd will be my first year and thanks to a bad doctor, I still have lots of trouble standing and walking. I was pushed to hard to walk on it. At first I made progress up to about 4 he’s of walking and standing in a days time with lots of pain. Then the pain got worse and now its about 20 mins. Don’t let them push you. Work it at your own pace but work it. Don’t know if its a type of thing they allow disability for after the care is done but if you have trouble, I would look into it. I already started reading on it. Cases vary state to state.
Hi everyone, I am new here. I found this website doing research on tibia plateau fractures. Needless to say I was amazed at what I found. Four months and one day ago (sadly I keep track) I was hit by a car. I suffered a leg injury and had six staples in my head. The doctor said I had a tibia plateau fracture and was at risk for Arthritis if I didn’t have the surgery. So I had the surgery. I have six screws and one plate in my left leg. I just got though my week of 75 percent weight bearing. Now this week I am doing full weight bearing.
I was wondering what you do for pain remedies? so far ice and heat seems to help and so do pain meds. I was wondering if there was anything else?
Hi,
I’m just about two months post fracture and I too count and keep track. I just said to my husband that when I go for a follow up on 3/10, they’re going to think I’m a baby cuz it still hurts a lot and I cannot bear Pweight! I mean, I can but I was told I’d be walking in without crutches etc like its no big deal. I’m using s cane now (which I don’t like) and doing the usual at PT. I’m having a lot of pain in my foot and ankle also.
At this point, I’m a little mad or frustrated that this even happened because the property owner didn’t take care of the snow! This has basically put my life on hold. I lost my job in November and was searching when I slipped on the stairs (UUUGGGHHH)
Anyone else have any of the feelings I’m having?
OH! How abt the weight gain from sitting around for 2 months??!!
Thanks~~ needed to vent a little.
I also find ice to feel GREAT! Hang in there. Thank God I have an amazing husband.
I had a TPF in Sept of 2013. Was in an outside fixator for 6 weeks non weight bearing with a plate and 4 screws in the right leg. Took me about 5 months before I was able to walk without cane and being off pain meds. Lost 20 lbs in 3 months. Due to the fixator I had a lot of atrophy in the ankle and foot. I have to tell you that I still have pain when a low or high pressure front goes through the area. I do yoga and must say that it has helped alot. especially with movement in my ankle as it was almost frozen when I was able to finally put weight on it. Hang in there, it dose get better but you really have to work at it. I am walking 2 miles at a time again, however, prior to the break I was up to 4 miles at a time. Now I do have residual pain the day after a walk.
Mickey. I am sorry for all you have been through. It is so hard and now that I have learned more since I have been injured I think the drs could do kite to prepare you. I am working on 50% WB and was disappointed when my knee did not hurt as much as my foot. But I have a great PT. He knew what it was and started working that. He said you need to get the foot back before you work the weight bearing. Plannar fasciitis is what I have and I have now found out it is normal. It can be preventrd with some exercises during non WB. But now that we have been working the foot it is feeling so much better. Tell your dr and PT. They should be able to help you. And the frustration is normal. I have thrown my crutches a few times. But then I remember how far I have come and know this journey has an end. Good luck.
PS Michele
I think we’re prone to arthritis just BECAUSE of the fracture itself
I am five months post op.
I suffered level six tibia plateau injury .
Was 3 months non weight bearing and
One month pwb . Am know fwb having physeo and hydro but still can’t bend my leg very far very painful .
Also not sleeping as my leg aches and is stiff . Hopefully this will change soon .
I had something simalar my foot was pointing downwards and twisted to the side. Doctors picked uo straight away and I had to wear a boot for 8 weeks then just at bedtime.
I had a lot of pain in my foot and ankle . My nerve endings caused so much pain.
My physio gave me exercises for my foot which helped am now 16 weeks po and having hydrotherapy which eases the pain .
Hi all, has anybody experienced foot drop after tpf I am 8 weeks po and since surgery I haven’t been able to move my big toe upwards only after my own research have I found out about foot drop (damage to the peroneous nerve causing lack of upward movement in front of foot and toes- nerve damage hence why gabapentin is working to reduce pain) every symptom I have come across I have pins and needles, pain in top of my foot, lack of upward movement) my physio is insisting I stubbed my toe when I fell and damage was done then (it certainly wasn’t I could move all toes perfectly fine in A&E that’s the first thing they checked.).
Anybody experienced this or know how to approach this with physio and doctors?
Lindsey
Hi Lindsey
I have foot drop after my accident on 20 Dec. I stretched my common peroneal nerve so badly my foot drop happened immediately along with TPF and fractured shoulder in two places. The foot drop has been the biggest upset for me. I had a second operation to decompress the nerve which was squashed in scar tissue 10cm long & so was never going to fix on its own hence while we waited 8 weeks post op. I have the tiniest movement in my big toe. I can feel the sole of my foot but the top of my foot, outer ankle & up the side of my left leg is totally numb. I wear a split all the time day & night. Doctor in London who only deals with this nerve says “wait, it takes months to fix”! 1mm per day. I have very long legs
I had foot drop immediately after TPF five hour surgery. Had a nerve block for surgery that we think caused the the foot drop. Hopefully, the foot drop has disappeared but continue to have prickly feeling in the toes while exercising.
I continue to battle the stiff knee and tremendous swelling in knee and foot.
Accident was November 5, 2014. Will I ever recover?
three fracturesin my TPF. And, it was quite compressed in the center. It’s been 9 weeks and my foot swells and turns purple – ish as soon as it no longer elevated. How long can I expect this to continue? Is this still normal or do I have abnormal bleeding taking place?
Sounds to me (IMO) like someone doesn’t want to be “blamed” for the nerve damage but idk. I did have that issue w the toes early on but I didn’t have surgery. I’m so glad this site it here. It’s helpful, don’t you think?
I had a TBF fracture in late September and had an operation in October,I can walk fine now but cant walk long distance or stand for more than five to ten minutes.The only problem is that my popliteus muscle is always sore especially when I’m sleeping.Any suggestion pls because I tried pain killers,patches and creams.
Hi Stephen
Did your MRI happen to show a “bakers cyst”? That would give you pain in the popliteal area. I’m just guessing. Ask the doc
Thanks for looking that up for me Frsncine really appreciate it,
I am now doing more physio they also told me u will be getting arthritis .