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*
Rob – so sorry to hear you are experiencing this TPF injury. Hopefully by now you are feeling a little stronger and your leg is not giving you too much pain. I am almost 3 mos. post surgery, still NWB, but hope to be able to ditch the crutches and begin (slowly) walking again. I found a few yoga exercises on line that I could do on the floor, most were stretching exercises and this really helped with the pain & stiffness I was experiencing in my injured leg/knee area. I do stretches several times a day and before I go to bed; lying down with legs extended out and try to touch toes, hole the stretch, do not bounce. Or, while sitting on the edge of bed or couch, I put my good leg on the floor and stretch out my bad leg to the side on the bed/couch and then stretch over the extended leg very slowly, do not bounce. Each time I try to hold the stretch longer. This has helped me tremendously to do my other ROM exercises. I also deeply massage my injured leg’s muscles and tendons (even cut my fingernails very very short) with some lavender essential oil mixed a little olive oil. I’ve done this from day one of my injury and still do it now, up to 3 x’s a day. My doctor wondered why my leg never bruised or swelled. I hope your recovery goes smoothly and you get through the NWB period quickly. This site has been very helpful; misery likes company they say :-/ Good luck!
hey Karen! Sorry it’s been so long since I got back with you, I’ve worked the last two days yesterday was a 12 plus hour day so definitely but getting back in the swing of things! Not without its consequences though, my foot swelled exceptionally yesterday, but can’t quite afford to not work for 12 weeks. 🙂 thank you for the scripture and you are exactly right! God can strengthen and heal us through our faith in Him! hope you’re doing well!
Wow, sounds like quite an ordeal! But that part is over. You are into the recovery a bit. I was never blessed with patience and am not one to sit idly. But there isn’t much else with this injury than to follow instruction. Rest is important, yet some movement is required to avoid blood clots. Also healthy eating is also important. I just red today that red beets are a great healer for fractures. Good to know! Protein is another. Maybe even more than calcium as it isn’t always properly absorbed. And vitamin D. so sit in the sun with a good book! It will soon all be a memory!
Not to sure why I was in so long. I did happen on a bank holiday weekend in the UK so had to wait until the Tuesday for CT scan then was due for op on the Friday but at 3pm that day they cancelled then the surgeon who don’t the op wasn’t available until the Tuesday. Then there was delay with getting some aids to the house and then I caught a temperature so I had to stay in because my body was healing slower due to the type of procedure. Surgeon said that the average body recovery after surgery is 48-72 hours however mine was a week due to my size(18 stone but rugby player build) and being prone for 3 hours.
Rob, what a horrible experience, but you got to this point, so that is great. What did they say happened that caused the hospital stay, etc? It must have been an extensive break and perhaps ligament tears as well? Everyone heals differently and apparently there are many different kinds of fractures with this injury. Because of that Positive thinking and following instruction, especially with the non weight bearing are truly important. Yet, I also believe things can be better than predicted. Years ago I dislocated a hip. Couldn’t walk for 2 months, but then finally the correct diagnosis and treatment. I did limp for a year rather than forever, but after that it did get better. So, although it sounds disappointing, good stuff can happen. God bless.
Hi all
I recently suffered from this break on the 15th May 2015 whilst playing football (UK). I went up to header a football with no one near me. when I landed I landed normally…. no issues nothing however I heard a crack and fell to the floor. When it happened it was sore but I wasn’t in a massive amount of pain. I thought I had damaged Ligaments or dislocated my knee. everyone around thought I was seeking attention as I was laughing (however they don’t know that when I start to get in pain I laugh).
after driving back home (don’t know how I managed it) my sister took me to the local hospital and thinking I would be back home in no time…… 3 weeks later and major surgery I finally got home.
I have been told by the surgeon that I will more then likely have a limp for the rest of my life due to loosing all feeling in my calf. Ive been told it feels like a fake boob.
My leg has improved a lot since being home as it doesn’t hurt as much when I pull my leg towards myself however it really really hurts when i try to put my leg straight however it is far from straight and now have one leg shorter then the other haha.
Im hopefully coming to the end of my non weight baring period however I think Im a little scared to walk on it as I don’t want to damage it again as again the surgeon has advised that this type of injury the bone could break easily again without warning.
I have my 2nd physic session on monday coming then hospital on 3rd august to see if Im able to start putting little weight on it.
sorry to go on its nice to be able to say how i feel to other people who are/have being this horrible situation.
Many Thanks
Rob
Yes I am nervous, but then slap myself and ask where my faith went. I have seen that the odd bend in my knee went away after being braced a couple days. Assume the ligaments that got stretched or worse, torn, were returning to their place. My knee has actually been minimally painful. Have you suffered much pain with it? Hurt after I went up the stairs and the noises of cracking are so annoying and can be a little disconcerting! But other than not knowing how the healing is going, I feel it is healing and I just need to be ultra careful.
I’m relieved to know the sleep issue is normal. I don’t like sleeping so much, but there is basically not a lot else to do! I also read you need to eat more calories. And some of the foods you should eat, fruits, veggies, not so much animal protein and limited caffeine including chocolate (what???). Some things promote healing and other things can block calcium which is a support of healing bone. My appetite is lower, but I try to eat the right things. Not easy when Husband knows how to do hot dogs and can cut up lettuce for a salad! But bless him he tries!
I have been on a perpetual diet since my youngest son was born. Hmmm, he just turned 37 the other day. But have been making progress over the last months. So don’t want to do that over. But have always been relatively active. Horse care for almost 30 years definitely requires it. Until a couple years ago when my dog died we walked every day a couple miles for years. Minimum temp was 22 degrees in winter. She was a major nudge and wouldn’t take “not today” well!
We will both get back to it and I know for me, there are some major plans for adjustment to schedule and getting back to activities. You still have a couple youngsters who will keep you active. I bet they can’t wait for Mommy to actively play some stuff. Don’t know if I’m allowed and if not it will be deleted for sure. But Philippians 4:13.
I know you’re nervous waiting for the x-ray, but if the pain subsides soon I would feel confident that it was probably just stretching a ligament too quickly thats has been unused for a couple of weeks. It’s amazing how quickly our body can become sedentary..as to your question about sleep, yes! You definitely need more sleep, and some research I’ve done has shown that you also need to eat more! They say that you burn at least a couple hundred more calories a day while your body is healing itself. Our bodies are doing a lot internally that we have no idea about, & I know I’ve noticed being more lethargic also. Especially in the first few weeks to a month. Who’s kidding, I still wouldn’t say no to a nap! 🙂 it’s easier said than done, but try to give yourself a break, and let your body just recover. Sleep when you need to sleep, and eat when you need to eat. You’ll be back to yourself before you know it. I know my biggest fear was gaining the weight back that I lost after I had my last child. I had just gotten back into working out, and was feeling pretty good, so that was really hard for me to realize that I am not going to be able to get back to that for at least a couple more months. What’s funny though is that I’ve actually lost weight since being on what I call the “broken leg diet”! It must be from the extra calories that my body is burning. Who knew!?
Thank you so much, Becky! Prayer is so important & I appreciate it. My prayers are returned and include everyone. This is not an easy injury. I forgot about scar tissue. Same thing happened after the surgery years back. Knee is still a little sensitive, but got up and have an ice pack on this morning. Didn’t think to do it last night. Was a little upset with myself. I wish I knew an easy stair climb method. Is sleeping more included in this? Going to bed earlier and sleeping longer. Husband gets up 4:50 to go to work, so get to bed early anyway. But I was used to getting up by about 6-6:30. Raised horses for years, so had to feed early and then to work. No more horses no more work, but have been getting like 9 – 9 1/2 hours which is not normal. Just since the injury.
Well, since your xray was good will hope that mine is as well. Tues. and I can barely wait. My apt is 7:30 and that is the day we head for Colorado. But faith is strong! Thank you so much. When is your next check? Am sure your progress will continue and be even better!
praying that you didn’t do any damage going up the stairs! I know the feeling though, I was standing and lost balance and put more weight on mine than I meant to as well, heard a pop and a little pain, and was fearful until I got my next x-ray. When I asked the doctor about it he said it was probably just scar tissue, and my x-ray was fine so I’m sure that’s the case with you too!
Becky you are so right! My husband was afraid I would make it worse. But My Dr. said 8 to 12 weeks non weight. When he did my knee (same one) in 2006 he said the same, but I was ok to light weight after 4 weeks. Different in that it was a repair. Buy something flipped up and my knee was locked for over 3 weeks. It healed quicker than he expected. Praying for the same!! Sounds like you are and that is awesome!
My grandson broke his ankle falling off his bike 1 1/2 years ago right on his growth plate. Did have the plate and screws and told him the same that they may need to remove. He wanted to because he didn’t like the idea of it. He’s 16 now soon to be 17 and still has aching. He was able to walk on it the day after surgery! He was afraid, so didn’t.
I just came up the stairs and put more on my leg than I meant to. Hurt but hoping it is still ok! That’s the problem for many is the fear. It is solo hard to keep weight off in some instances… Wish I could know how.
It sounds like our husbands are a lot alike, Karen! 🙂 Mine was definitely leaning toward surgery as well, mostly because that was doctors orders, but I know it was definitely because he wanted me to heal as fast as possible. Another reason to be thankful that we didn’t have to have surgery is the fact that my doctor told me that if I did have to do the surgery I may have to go in for a second surgery in a year or so because where they would place the plate and screws would not be covered by muscle or fat, so the tendon or ligament in my knee would pop over the screws and caused enough pain that a lot of people end up having them removed! praise the Lord for no surgery!Just curious what kind of timeframe your doctor has given you to not be weight bearing?
Thanks Becky! That’s a great idea. I will try it. I hate wearing a brace, but know it is absolutely necessary. Very frustrating when it isn’t where it needs to be. I have a brace that was from the last surgery, but it isn’t as long. It definitely straightens the leg. I guess there is a reason to have the full length thing, but it certainly reminds me I am too old to do some of the stuff I have done!
Wanted to mention about my surgeon how surprised I was when he said no surgery. Reinforced my confidence in him because surgery is how he makes his living and he is good. I think 2006 with my last knee surgery he mentioned operating on football players in our area (Steelers).
At the ER they were confident I would require a screw. So when he said it wasn’t displaced enough to warrant the invasive surgery, I was extremely relieved. My husband was more concerned of what could happen without the surgery. But like you, my faith gives me confidence of healing. The doc also said I would definitely have issues with arthritis. Again, I expect I will, but will deal with that later. Already have some of that anyway. No discussion of PT yet, but I have been moving around some and have been frequently moving and flexing my ankle.
With your kids being young, it has to be very difficult. I am happy you are healing so quickly and nicely. Not easy with youngsters! Mine are both adults and I have grandchildren who are awesome. We were with older son and his family at the beach when I fell. The kids were awesome helping me. We were only into a couple days of a week’s vacation there. I figure if I made it through that I can go to Colorado. Haven’t seen that son & his wife since Christmas, so don’t want to miss it!
I think surgery is good when it is needed, but have read lots of stuff since being home and the treatment and recovery is basically the same without having surgery and the only reason to have it is to put the fracture back together and secure it with a screw / screws. You are young enough for healing with the protocols required. And lots of stuff can happen with surgeries, too and they can be scary. It was the right decision for you given the recovery going so well! I am happy for you and aspire to following in your footsteps! Prayers for all.
I also have a sainted husband!! 😉 I have a six year old, and a little guy thats going to be one on the 31st of this month, so I’ve definitely been relying on a lot of people to take care of us! Definitely makes you aware, and appreciate your loved ones! I haven’t had as much of a problem with my brace sliding down, so I haven’t tested any methods, but I wonder if you put a hand towel around your calf to make it a little wider if that might help the brace stay in place? it may not help at all, but its the only thing that I could think of..! I am so glad that you have been recovering so well! We are definitely blessed! ☝
Becky, Thank you so much for the encouragement and experience you have had. I actually don’t have a lot of pain. More in my tailbone probably because that is how I landed. Have sciatic problems anyway. But the leg swelling decreased about a week after. Occasional aching, but so far… Yeah the multiple bathroom trips.. I actually got a wheelchair with crutches and walker. Mostly because of our upcoming trip. But it definitely helps a lot! I’m not a youngster either…64. It is not my first bout with crutches. I have had 2 knee surgeries on both knees. Repairs, but has educated me on crutches and walker necessity. The hardest part is to keep from putting the foot on the floor. Stairs are an issue. Have been told to sit and scoot, but with tailbone, not really possible. I mostly stay upstairs and my sainted husband has been taking care of me. Even packs me a lunch in a little cooler when he goes to work. Hate not being able to do anything!
Major problem now is how to keep the brace I have from sliding down! Any suggestions will be appreciated! Too tight and my foot goes numb. I have it as snug as possible and it makes me nuts, but even at that, every time I get up it slides down. I try tightening before I get up, but still slips.
Thanks so much for your reply. Healing is slow, but with God’s grace coming along nicely.