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.
I was hit by a car while walking to the gym on Jan 11 and sustained a tpf and a third degree MCL tear. Had surgery and started weight bearing at 7 weeks. At my 7 week appointment, my ROM was 52. My doc said he wanted me at 90 by 10 weeks and said if I did not make that goal, he would suggest manipulation under anesthesia. I immediately started PT but got nowhere and my PT also recommended MUA. I have since achieved 84 with rigorous work, on my own. My doc says I’m probably the best PT for myself because I’m motivated (I have been extremely athletic my whole life). I am petrified I’m not going to gain additional ROM. For the life of me, I can’t seem to get to even 90. Is there a point of no return, so to speak? Did I miss a crucial window? It was very hard for me to get past the MCL pain (no surgery for that- immobilization for 2 months was supposed to help it heal naturally) but it has subsided some and I’m able to push past that pain. I guess I just need reassurance that it’s not too late and that I will get my ROM back. I’m not using a device (dynasplint, etc.), nor am I in a pool but I can assure you if there is another exercise recommended, I have been doing it and then some.
Hi Jen,
It seems to me that you are extremely motivated and doing everything in your power to get to 90 ROM. I was also hit by a car in early December while walking to the subway and sustained a TPF, displaced, torn meniscus, and torn ACL. I had surgery to repair the TPF and torn meniscus. While still in the hospital, I was put on a CPM machine and wasn’t allowed to leave the hospital until I reached 90 ROM. I was in the hospital for 3 days and reached the 90 ROM the day before I was released. I was also sent home with this machine and used it for 2 hours, twice a day, for a month. I am not sure if this machine would help you, at this point, because it seems to me that you are doing everything in your power to increase your ROM but it may be worth a try. Speak with your doctor and see if he/she recommends it. Good luck!
Hi Barbara,
Thank you for the response, Barbara. I did ask my doctor about the CPM machine and he said that it is given in the hospital post surgery and post MUA. I was not offered one while there (I was in 5 days) nor was ROM mentioned in any manner at that time. He seemed to think it is now unnecessary or perhaps difficult to attain (not sure why). Can’t believe you got to 90 in 3 days. Wow. Good luck to you. Sounds like you’ve done well, considering.
Hi Jen,
Thank you for your response and good wishes. I did hear from another tpf person that after a certain amount of time, the CPM machine is unnecessary so I am guessing that it wouldn’t help you now, as your doctor stated. What I have learned up until this point, from this forum and from people at my physical therapy office about this injury/recovery, is that everyone has different issues, depending upon many factors: age, type and degree of injury, the physical shape that the person was in at the time of injury, etc. I am at anywhere from 115-125 ROM now but I think that that is going to be it for me. My ROM on my other leg is about the same also, so my physical therapist told me that that will most likely be it for me. (I am almost 60 years old and have arthritis issues with the “good” knee.) The water therapy has been wonderful for me. Shortly after I began that, I noticed great improvement. I am now also allowed to apply heat to my knee, which helps greatly. Before this, it was only ice. I still apply the ice after a visit to my p/t and before bed.
You are extremely motivated and willing to get back to normal. You will get to that point, I am sure of it! It is easy to get down-in-the-dumps about this but try not to. Yes, it is a long recovery but with all of your hard work, patience, and good attitude, you will get there-I know it!
Than you Barbara! I need the encouragement. I might try pool therapy. My husband has been assisting me in pushing my leg while I lay on my stomach and man, I feel like I’m giving birth. Just can’t seem to inch past the 85 or so degree mark. I did buy a ROM protractor and ankle weights from Amazon so I’ll see if I can make a little more progress. Sounds like you’re doing great. I guess you can still do most things with the ROM you have? Can you kneel?
Hi Jen,
Today is 3 weeks that I am weight-bearing (15 weeks post-op) and the first 2 weeks were tough in that I was in a lot of pain by the late afternoon. I had to ice the knee and take Ibuprofen. Once I began the water therapy, I noticed a huge difference. Don’t know if it can be 100% attributed to the water therapy or if it is just a coincidence but I am now going to stores with my husband and walking up and down my stairs a few times per day. The knee is stiff and I definitely need my cane when walking outside and in stores but in the house I don’t always need it. The knee loosens up after walking a bit first thing in the morning. I still ice the knee and also apply moist heat (wonderful to do first thing in the morning) and I am still taking Ibuprofen but only once a day (in the morning). I would say that I am about 75% back to normal in that I can go to the stores and walk around a bit, take walks up and down my block, and get into and out of our car with ease, although I am slower at doing these things than before my accident. My leg still feels a bit weak and feels like it wants to buckle on occasion. It is still swollen above the knee, also, but the swelling has gotten a lot better. The test for me will be when I go back to work. I need to feel more confident in traveling to and from, however. I was taking the subway before my accident and there is a lot of walking involved to get to my office. I am hoping that I can go back to work the beginning of May and by that time, will have the strength and confidence that I will need to commute. As far as being able to kneel, I haven’t attempted to do that yet. Not sure if my surgeon would want me to do that but I see him in another 2 weeks and at that point, I will find out what I can and cannot do. I know that I will have to have the hardware removed at some point but I don’t believe that this will be done before 6 months post-surgery, which would bring me to June or later. The exercises that your husband is helping you with are good ones to do, although very tough. My worst exercise was the heel slide. That always gave me a lot of pain. Definitely try to find a pool. It’s amazing what you can do in the warm water, with ease, that is so difficult to do out of the water!
75 percent back to normal is impressive after 15 weeks. Hope thr transition back to work goes well in May. I’m still walking with a slight limp, especially by the end of the day but have been shopping, cleaning, etc., since 7 or 8 weeks in. I only used crutches for a few days after being cleared to weight bear so I think I’ve done well by those standards. As for ROM, my husband says he thinks he may have gotten me to 90 degrees twice yesterday. My doc measures ROM while I’m seated on a table with my legs dangling but my PT says the true test of your ROM is when your on your back with your leg bent towards your butt. Figures since that’s the harder of the two 🙂
Interesting that you may get your hardware out at 6 months. I’ve read other posts mentioning the same. Not once has my doc even mentioned it. You’ve done so well and I’m inspired by your progress. You’ll get back to work soon and perhaps this time will all be a blur in a few years 🙂
Hi Jen, your still very early in your recovery- not even at 3 months, so I would say yes, you will make it to full ROM. I too had a sprained ACL, and the pain would almost make me pass out in PT. And I too did allot on my own to get better ROM, was stuck at 130 for the longest time ! And that took 3 months of PT 2x a wk, plus pool work every day, I did yoga poses on my own, and lots of bending/kneeling type movements using pillows and a Fit Ball. Now 7 months after my accident- PTF with a plate and 6 screws ( I’m 57 ), my ROM is 140, my good leg is 143. So not quite the same, but not bad. Also, try heat before you do your bending excersices
. Microwave a small towel (dry) for 40 seconds, wrap it around your knee for 2-3 minutes, then do your movements, this will help. And always ice your knee at the end of a hard PT- or workout session, and rest it well before your next one. I would ice my knee at the end of the day before bed. Working out hard is important, but your body needs to heal and therefore rest is just as
important. Good luck, you’ll be fine.
Thank you Rebecca. You too seem to be doing so well. I have been icing my knee but was told not to use heat on it because of the metal (2 plates, 6 screws)? I was told using heat for my quad and calf would help relax those muscles. I’ll try the towel technique you mentioned. What the heck! I have been more of a weight lifter and spinner than a yogi but have been seriously considering doing hot yoga so that it may help with flexibility, balance and ROM. It’s also a nice way to work both legs equally. Your comment may just be the impetus I need to go ahead. I’m also using a fit ball, etc. My motto in terms of bending has been if it hurts, do more of it :). Thanks for the encouragement. I’ve done really well mentally up to this point but fear has officially taken over. Just want my life back! Best of luck to you!
I am 31 years old and have never had a broken bone other than a pinkie, so this is quite a difference. I had my accident skiing 4 weeks ago and had my surgery that following week (after I hobbled around on it for a few days, not knowing the degree of my injury) I was sent home with no brace or cast, is this normal? I am now about 15 days post op and the pain has subsided a bit, I’m also able to bend and straighten the knee I have my first follow up tomorrow I am NWB right now and living on crutches but just curious how long this healing process is going to be. I’ve already returned to work at a nursing home and have help any time I need it, I’m also able to elevate my leg and rest in my office when I need to, so I guess it could be worse, I’m just usually very active and fast walking and the dependence seems to be the hardest part for me.. can’t complain about good help though
Hi Rachel,
Sorry about your accident! I am almost double your age and was hit by a car in early December. I sustained a TPF, displaced, torn meniscus, and torn ACL. Had surgery 5 days later, was sent home 3 days later in a thigh-to-ankle brace (Bledsoe Brace) and with crutches, although I preferred using the walker that they also sent me home with. By the way, I was not allowed to leave the hospital until my range of motion was at 90 degrees, using the CPM machine that they provided. Once I was home, I was totally NWB and basically hopped using my walker from my bed to the bathroom and then back to the bedroom. I had the stitches removed 2 weeks after my surgery and started physical therapy outside of my home 3x per week, at that point, and also had exercises to do at home 3x per day. Those at-home exercises were begun in the hospital with my brace on. After approx. 7 1/2 weeks, at my doctor visit, I was told that I no longer needed the brace, and that I could begin putting 20% weight on the leg, using my walker, in addition to physical therapy 3x per week and also doing the at-home exercises. 20% weight is very minimal; basically putting your heel down and coming up very lightly on the toes, as if you were crushing a grape tomato, while using my walker. I continued with 20% weight until I was 13 weeks post surgery, at which point I was given the OK to fully weight bear. I am now 2 weeks weight-bearing, using a cane. For me, it was as if I had to re-learn how to walk as the leg felt weak and a bit shaky, even though I went to physical therapy and performed my at-home exercises religiously. I also experience pain in the knee and swelling above it (which swelling I had right from the beginning when I was hit by the car) but it is definitely getting better. I am also allowed now to take anti-inflammatories to help with this. In the beginning, anti-inflammatories are not allowed because they interfere with bone growth. I also started Hydrotherapy 2x a week, which is wonderful. Exercising in warm water is the way to go!
I commend you for being able to go back to work so quickly. I am still unable to go to work and I am 3 1/2 months post-surgery. I tire very easily by the middle of the day and I am also very slow-going, so there is no way at this time that I would ever be able to commute to my job, work a 7-8 hour day, and commute back home. I do see improvement, however, and from everything that I have read about this type of injury/recovery, it is not quick but with patience, we will all be back to normal or almost normal in a few months.
Good luck with everything and be patient!
Barbara – my story is close to yours. I was also hit by a car in early December. I was NWB for 12 long weeks and finally 3 weeks ago was able to start WB. I am now using one crutch or cane except at the end of the day when I am tired. Then I go back to 2 crutches. I am also doing pool therapy and agree that it is wonderful. I had a tough therapy session Monday where I was walking without any aides and of course more throughout the day because I was so thrilled that I could. Anyway by Monday evening, I was hurting. Took it easy today with pool therapy and am looking forward to doing more unaided walking tomorrow. This is a long journey.
Hi Joni! Yes, this is a long journey, and frustrating at times. I get very tired by afternoon and can nap easily. I want my usual stamina back “now” but I know that isn’t going to happen just yet. I have to be patient with myself and take it easy when I am tired instead of pushing myself too much. Thanks for responding – this forum is wonderful and I am so glad that I found it!
Hi Rachel: Welcome to the group!
I am no expert here but I’m sure there are different degrees of a TPF. If the broken part has not displaced, and if no screws/plates are required, you may be looking at a more rapid recovery than the typical 3 months time period without any weight bearing required for complete healing. My wife got into physiotherapy just 10 days after her surgery and is starting to get more and more range of motion. She did wear a Zimmer brace until the stitches were taken out but since then nothing.
From what I can tell from reading the about the experiences of others, the healing time and the level of recovery can vary quite a bit depending on the severity of the break, the willingness to do the exercises and physio, likely the degree of pain tolerance, your age and fitness level.
Hi Jake: Sounds like your wife is doing well. Glad to hear it!
Rachel: Yes, it definitely depends on the severity of the break and if screws/plates are needed, a person’s age, etc. Some injuries require hardware and some don’t. I have a plate and screws and having this hardware inside of me definitely changes things compared to someone that doesn’t have it. I am sure that some of the pain that I am experiencing is from the plate. My surgeon plans on removing my hardware down the road so I am sure that I will find some relief when everything is removed. I have to say, though, that the past 2 days the pain seems to be much less. Do you go for physical therapy? If so, keep it up. It works wonders!
Hi Jake,
Yes I already had the surgery: plate and screws, the works… first surgery I’ve had everyone says since I’m young and active that I will heal worth no problem. I just don’t want to miss out on all the fun Summer activities, I saw that some of you do aqua therapy and swimming after surgery…how long do you have to wait after surgery before you can swim, etc. Gleefully is a fast easy healing process but we’ll see. .
Hi Rachel,
My surgeon told me that I could use the pool, in addition to my usual physical therapy exercises, when I was 7 1/2 weeks post-surgery even though I was not 100% weight-bearing. I chose to wait until I was fully weight-bearing because my physical therapist had a Hydrotank and not a pool and it was difficult for me, not being 100% weight-bearing, to get into and out of the Hydrotank using my walker and hopping. If you have a pool or can gain access to one, I highly recommend it. Some pools have assistance for handicapped people, using an electronic chair that you would sit in and then is lowered into the pool. The buoyancy of the water helps you to not put 100% weight on the leg and you can carefully perform your exercises that way. I would have a physical therapist guide you, however, through your exercises to insure that you are doing everything correctly.
Hi Jake and Rachel
I had a TPF which was not displaced and did not require surgery. I was NWB for three months. I was told that having surgery allowed one to heal faster because the patient is able to work on bending their knee sooner because the bones are held together with the plates and screws. Without surgery, there is a risk of displacing the broken bones, therefore, I was not allowed to start physical therapy for 6 weeks and definitely could not WB for three months. I was in the leg brace for six weeks. When I started physical therapy, my leg was at 30 degrees and it took several months to reach 90 degrees.
Broke my tibia Dec 22 2015 . It sounded like a broken 2×4. I screamed I mean painfull I just wanted an ambulance.I fell off or slipped off my roof landed on my right foot first. Had surgery 2 hours later.
3 screws in ankle
I’m nail
1 screw under kneecap
Lots of pain first 2 months
90 days later I’m walking with hardly no limp
Yes, totally crooked leg, never thought my leg was going to be straight again! From what I’ve learned, takes time for muscles to rebuild and put everything back where it belongs.
I would ask your doctor or physio about your knee if you are worried ,one of the physio’s noticed my foot was pointing slightly outwards and put tape on my wheelchair footrest so I could place my foot correctly I also slept with my leg and foot in a plastic and foam gutter for a while.
Thank you so much. I’m 4.5 months, was just told walk, don’t need brace, was no longer in lock, knee brace however afterwards I tried and was to unstable. The SWELLING….. BAD!!! Top to bottom into foot. Use walker outside but by time I get home, too much pain to stand. I use wheelchair. I’ve never had this pain, not pot op, home etc. Hope it passes, I’m a driven, high pain tolerance, lets go woman. Now, It’s too painful affects back, just worried. But I appreciate all the people input. Gives me hope. Has anyone noticed the entire knee looks out of place, mine seems to be leaning in towards opposite leg. Will this impr
Do get your leg alignment checked out. When standing are you able to put your feet together so your ankles touch each other?
Hi John: I think everyone’s recovery from this injury is dependent on many factors. My experience is definitely limited to one person, my wife, who had the injury 4&1/2 weeks ago and now is 3 weeks post surgery (screws and a plate). She’s an active 65 years old, going at the physio pretty hard and has got to 90 degrees range of motion. It’s definitely discouraging for her but she is at least seeing some improvement regularly.
As some have said on this web site, use the time to slow down, to do things and see people you never had time for before. Make the best of it.
– Jake
Physio physio and more physio is unfortunately the answer to lots of problems I was evaluated after a year on an machine which I was literally strapped into (presumably so my good leg and other muscles could not help the injured one !) This machine proved that my muscle strength was alot less on the injured leg ,even after lots of walking ,therefore not supporting the upper leg correctly and pressing down on the tibia plateau .4wks of intensive water and land physio 8.30 to 12 ,5 days a week and hey ho apart from running all is fine .Infact if a feel a twinge I exercise and it goes away ,but it could be mind over matter .
Hello…..
I was hit by a car on July 5,2015. On that day my life changed dramatically. I had no idea how much it would change. All I can say is thank God I landed on top of the car rather than underneath. TPF. You think “ok, broken leg, cast, stiffness…healed” Boy was I wrong. Not only did I have the initial surgery where the screws were put in, I had to have 2 additional to surgeries to get rid of scar tissue and have manipulation. Then I was diagnosed with CRPS (Complex Regional Pain Syndrome) and had 3 surgical procedures for pain blocks. I started with a walker (worked better in the beginning for me than the crutches…..not the kind with wheels…would have killed myself with that in the beginning) then went to crutches, then one crutch, then cane. I had a CPM machine in my place for 5 months along with this new leg stretching machine…it was my own ortho rehab center! I went to PT for 7 months. I stopped the PT after 7 months because I was not getting any better than 125 (after a ton of work each time)ROM. Plus it was painful…which would be fine if I were improving. Now I go to the gym and use the bike 5X’s a week to get my leg moving before work and 3 X’s a week I go to a pool and do my exercises as per my doctor’s instructions. Note…..I put off the water therapy feeling it wouldn’t help….wanting to prove the doctor wrong…..I WAS WRONG. The pool helps me immensely. Now I feel like my ROM is at least 125 without the painful work. Yes it still gets stiff…I still need heat and ice…but much less often. I only use a cane when shopping or at any time that I feel nervous with crowds. There are days that I am sitting in a chair and my bad leg bends the same as the good one! I have been told by the doctor that sometimes this injury can take up to 3 years to completely get back to normal. The one thing that bothered me the most I think is that the professionals were not forthcoming with information. That drove me crazy. Just tell me for God’s sake!
Just know it does get better. I am not completely healed yet, but I have all the confidence that it will happen. Hang in there!
I had my cast of thurday after been on for two month , the Doctor said I must not W B for anothe month till had another xray ,just how long can this NWB go on for? I used be very active walking 60 mile a week or more an its doing my head in sat down biggest part of the day , the Tibial Plateau Fracture I have the Doctor said was a nasty one and wanted me to have a plate in but I didnt want the risks of surgery so went with the cast,it is healing but going be a long job the Doc said,my knee wont bend atall ,am 64 and dont think my leg ever going be the same again, hope am wrong !
My NWB period lasted 17+ weeks. I also had surgery and bone replacement, so without such it might be even longer -depends on the amount and severity of the damage. I am mid sixties too and walked 5+ miles per day before my tpf. I can now manage around 1 mile and that takes an hour to achieve. It’s now 11 months since surgery – I can “feel” the metal when applying weight and have been able too since first weight bearing, so every step is a challenge. As one Dr told me, this is a life changing condition; its changed mine for sure.
Hi Marilyn, Keep up the good work! It sounds like you are doing very well from everything that I have read about TPF recovery. I am going to be 60 this year. I was hit by a car back in December resulting in a TPF, Displaced, torn meniscus, and torn ACL. I had surgery a few days later and also have a metal plate and bone replacement. I was sent home in a brace from my thigh to my ankle and with a walker and crutches. (I preferred the walker so that is what I stuck with.) After approx. 7 weeks, the brace was removed and I was allowed to put 20% weight on that leg (heel down and lightly up on toes, using the walker). I became totally weight-bearing 12 days ago (12 1/2 weeks after surgery) using a cane. X-rays showed everything to be very good. At first, the walking wasn’t so bad. However, I have been in more pain lately when taking my first steps in the morning and at the end of the day. I am much better once I take Ibuprofen and ice the knee but when the Ibuprofen wears off, the pain comes back and the knee stiffens up. I spoke with the doctor’s office about this and they said that it is to be expected as I haven’t put weight on that leg for 12 weeks and suddenly now I am, and also because of the metal plate. I am still going for physical therapy 3x per week, thankfully, and doing exercises at home, in addition to the walking. The walking that I do entails walking inside my house, going up and down stairs 2-3 times per day to use the bathroom, and some walking into a store a few times per week, to do very light shopping with my husband’s assistance. I am wondering if I am overdoing it with the walking. Did you experience this pain and stiffness in the beginning of your weight-bearing? Thank you.
I don’t know how the recovery is when not having surgery but it was 12 1/2 weeks for me before I could weight-bear. I had surgery, having a metal plate and bone inserted. It is a tough recovery especially if you are a person that is fairly active but it gets better and the time does go by quickly especially if you are following your doctor’s instructions. I caught up on television shows and reading material. I had a lot of help from family and friends, also. From everything that I have been reading, you can make a full recovery from this although it does take time. I truly believe, also, that every person is different and heals differently, but I think if you do what you are supposed to, you will be on your way to a full recovery or as full a recovery as possible. Don’t forget to eat well and rest when you are tired!
Hello Barbara, I find walkling first thing in the morning difficult too: I find I need to use a walking stick. After I’ve done some exercises I can get about the house pretty much unaided. In the evening I find I need to use the stick again. I have tightness in my knee when weight bearing. This I am sure is from the metal work. Anti-inflamitories have no effect on the tightness I am experiencing, so different to yours I think.
You are doing well managing the stairs. Keep up the good work.
Regards.
Thank you, Marilyn. I noticed, also, that after doing my exercises it feels better. I am also noticing that when the weather changes; i.e., raining or colder, my knee hurts more. I had this before my TPF, however, and I know that it is from osteoarthritis which I have had for many years. My other knee is also affected by the weather. Thank you again for your help and advice.
Hi John,
I also did not have surgery and was nwb for three months. At three months, I was allowed to weight bear, but my ankle and foot hurt so bad that I couldn’t take the pressure of full weight bearing. It was another 6 weeks before I could ditch the walker and use a cane. At 6 weeks I started physical therapy and could barely bend my knee 30 degrees. It has now been one year for me and I am close to full flexion and extension. I work on it everyday. I use to walk a minimum of 40 miles a week. I am now walking 10-15 miles a week depending on how I am feeling. It does get better – hang in there!
I sustained a FTP, non-displaced, on 6/22/15. I did not need surgery, but was NWB for 8 weeks. I had to wear a compression stocking 24/7 for the first 4 weeks. I took a baby aspirin and calcium supplement daily for the entire 8 weeks. My knee was extremely swollen the first few weeks, pain really only the first week. I was able to bend my knee so, I had good range of motion. After 8 weeks, I was able to put some weight on my toes of my left leg and then 2 weeks later, full weight on my leg, but still walking with crutches for assistance. 2 weeks later, I graduated to a cane and then no assistance. I went to PT for 3 months after I was able to weight bare. I also sustained 2 torn meniscus and a torn ACL. No surgery was needed for any of it. I am 58 years old and very active so, inactivity for 12 weeks was difficult for me. Since then, I am doing great! I walk 3-5 miles several days a week, ride a bike, swim and do elliptical. I have stiffness in the leg after working out, but I also have arthritis in both my knees. I have a very supportive husband and family so, I had lots of help from everyone ( ramps over stairs, put a bed for me downstairs, got a chair for the shower, carried me over steps, cooked for me, cleaned, did laundry etc…) The important thing is… you too will recover and life will go on. It was emotionally difficult for me because I broke my leg the first day of my summer break as a school teacher. So, all my plans for the summer didn’t happen. I was grateful that I didn’t need surgery and that I didn’t have to go to school. I took the whole summer to heal, but still better than missing all that work! Plus, I was extremely tired and it was nice to be able to sleep in every day. Be patient!!! Don’t rush things and do exactly what the doctor tells you. I was scared that I would fall and do so much damage to my leg that I would need surgery. I did fall a few times and I was fine! Crutches were difficult at first, but then I got really good using them. I also had a walker… the kind you can sit on and move around. It was nice to be able to sit on it and move around the house without using crutches. Getting up off the toilet was a challenge, but I got good at that too. I took my legs for granted and was so glad when I was able to walk on them again and do things for myself!. It has been 9 months since my accident (I was standing on a chair and the chair broke, my left leg took all my body weight when I fell off) and I am back to normal. Good luck, be patient and you will be fine!!
Hi everybody.
I fell skiing over a month ago. I was taken in to the ER and given painkillers, a leg brace, and a pair of crutches. The ER took some X-rays and told me that I’d need to have more testing when I got home.
I’ve been SLOWLY getting through the HMO process, so for example it took nine days to get to be seen by an Orthopedic surgeon, who ordered a CT scan … that’s another ten-day delay, and the CT showed multiple fractures, torn ACL, and some pre-existing arthritis/loss of cartilage, so I got referred to a sports doctor specialist, who I will see the day after tomorrow.
So I guess my question is, does this delay in treatment have an effect on my recovery? It’s already been 31 days since the original injury.
I started crying reading this website, when you say things like I might “spend a few days in the hospital” before I get sent home — I got nothing. My bedroom is downstairs and my kitchen is upstairs, but even if I could get into the kitchen, I can’t prepare foods when my hands are holding the crutches. So, my husband gives me a bunch of snacks before he goes to work in the morning, and I’m lying in bed all day until he gets home at dinner time. You suggest I might have to use a wheelchair, but isn’t a doctor supposed to be getting me the wheelchair? Whatever I have is what the ER doctor gave me a month ago, and that’s it.
Hi Kathleen, I am so sorry about your injury and what you are going through. I was hit by a car in early December and was taken to the E.R. After x-rays and a CT scan, I was diagnosed with a Tibial Plateau Fracture, Displaced. This took place on a Friday night so I was sent home with a Bledsoe Brace (thigh to ankle), with crutches and also with a prescription for pain meds, and was told to follow up on the following Monday with the orthopedic trauma surgeon that they recommended. I did that and he saw me that same day and his recommendation was surgery, as soon as possible, as he said that is because the longer I wait, the body will begin to heal on its own and most likely not in the proper fashion, causing arthritis later on in my life and pain in the leg. I would imagine that if your surgeon recommends surgery for your problem, he will be able to straighten out anything that healed improperly during the surgery. It may be more difficult than if it was a recent injury but I would imagine that he or she could repair it.
With respect to having your bedroom and kitchen on two different levels, I am in the same position. I stay upstairs, near the bathroom, and my husband brings my food to me. He is home most of the time but when he has to go out for any extended period of time, he leaves sandwiches, fruit and water with me. I have not been having luck with the crutches (my balance is not good with them) so I would go up and down the stairs on my butt but only on the days that I have to go for physical therapy. The other days, I stayed upstairs in my bedroom. I did much better with a walker than with crutches, by the way. You may want to try that.
Once I was in the hospital and had my surgery, the hospital administrators arranged for me to have a walker, portable toilet (which I never used), tub bench and a wheelchair, which I refused as my house doorways are not wide enough for a wheelchair. My husband and I developed a system and a routine and we managed. It wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be. I am now able to put weight on my leg, which is another story entirely, so I am mobile although slow-going.
Once you find out what the surgeon recommends, you can take it from there. I am fairly certain that wherever you have your surgery, you will be sent home with the appropriate equipment. Where I had my surgery, they would not let me leave until I had everything that I needed and understood what I could and could not do. (No weight-bearing for 3 months.)
The time actually went by very quickly for me, between going for physical therapy 3x per week and doing the exercises that they gave me 3x per day. I also caught up on movies, and television series. I am encountering different issues now that I am weight-bearing as it is like learning to walk all over again, and I have a lot more pain in the knee area than I did before, I guess because I wasn’t using the leg. I find that it stiffens up especially after sleeping all night or sitting for too long. From what I understand, however, things will get better.
Good luck and I am hoping that your surgery is scheduled soon. Be patient with yourself and ignore the dust in your home – it’s not important! Eat well, rest and relax.
Hi Kathleen: My wife is going through a TPF injury, so being her caregiver/janitor/driver/medical advisor/etc, I am becoming a wee bit knowledgeable on the subject.
First off, did the x-rays show a tibial plateau fracture amongst the other nasty injuries? If so, you should be looking at getting that reset ASAP and you should be in no weight bearing (NWB) state for the affected leg. If it was displaced, you’re looking at a combination of screws and a plate to hold it in position while the healing takes place and some 12 weeks of NWB coupled with physiotherapy to keep the joint moving and the supporting muscles/tendons/ligaments strong.
The beauty of this web site is that there is likely someone out there who has faced or is facing the same situation as you and is willing to share experiences for your benefit.
My wife had her injury 4 weeks ago, got the TPF diagnosis after a week (displaced), went on a priority list for surgery, getting that about 4 days later and is now into the recovery mode with about 8 screws and and a plate holding things together. She is getting better on crutches and has a wheelchair for the difficult trips, like taking in a show. Her spirits are fluctuating between despair and positive hope but already she is seeing improvement with more mobility, less pain, and better able to get her social life going again. We are retired.
Feel free to ask me anything as we did when we got started here.
– Jake
Hi Kathleen,
Google bone healing process – it’s quite interesting (I read up on it after my injury). I had multiple fractures and did not require surgery, but was hospitalized for 7 days. I was given morphine shots several times a day and was released when the pain became bearable and I could hop to the bathroom. My insurance ok’d a rental wheelchair which arrived at my home the day after I got home. I was sent home with crutches and a walker. Call your insurance and request a rental wheelchair. I used the wheelchair through the house to get to the bathroom and then a walker to get through the door. I also used the wheelchair when I went out of the house. I was nwb for three months and would have been much more miserable without the wheelchair. Good Luck!
Hi Kathleen, You will only need a hospital stay if you are having surgery. Best thing is to stay off the injured leg, no weight baring at all. Your body is already starting to recover so, this won’t delay the process. I would think you already should have had surgery if it was a
displaced fracture”. You are a month into your recovery. I am so sorry it is taking so long. I went to a pharmacy that sold walkers that had seats and bought myself the apparatus so, I could get around better inside the house. I also bought a seat for the shower. I posted my story also, so you can read what I had to do. Hang in there…. you will get through it!!
Thank you for the effort you have put into this site. I am two weeks into recovery after surgery to rebuild my left tibia plateau. The upper left side of my tibia crumbled and snapped my left fibula . My doctor advised that I have an artificial knee put in after tibia heals sufficiently. This site gives me hope for complete recovery, thank you.
Hello Edward, welcome. I just wanted to let you know that there is a closed group on Facebook that is awesome!! There is hundreds of people going through or having been through the same thing as you are. Everything thing from pain, depression, healing, sleeping, muscle loss, weight gain, family, friends, terminology, laughs, cries, purple legs, yellow scaley feet. You name it anything you express 10-50 people will respond. It’s great. Anyway I have a very severe break also plus my femur has 3 fractures. My accident was Nov 29th 2015. I spent 65 days in the hospital. I am waiting to see if I need a replacement. I am still wheelchair bound 90% of the time. Just search TPF group on Facebook. You have to qualify yourself to be accepted into the group. They only allow people with the injury to join. Anyway good luck. I hope to see you soon in the group.
Get well,
Dennis Emig
I am 4 weeks post injury inwould love to be in this group
Hi Edward: Interestingly, my wife got a similar message with respect to the recovery from her TPF, that is to anticipate the need for an artificial knee at some point in the future. While this might in fact be required, for now she is determined to diligently work on the rehab to make her knee the best it can be. From what I can tell, the stronger and the more resilient your knee is, the longer it will last. She is also at 2 weeks post surgery. Let’s wish each other good luck in this next healing stage!
– Jake
Thanks again Barbara for sharing your insights and your reassurance. I think she will follow your path with respect to the recovery, one we hope will be a full one.
– Jake
Hi Joyce, So sorry to hear about your accident. I, too, was hit by a car but your injuries were much more extensive than mine. I was crossing the street when a car hit me. We are indeed lucky to be alive! I sustained a TPF, torn meniscus, and torn ACL. I needed surgery for the TPF and meniscus tear. I was fortunate with respect to the pain that I incurred. I didn’t need to take the prescription pain medicine very often, after I returned home from the hospital. I mostly took Acetaminophen and was also taking time-released aspirin to prevent blood clots as I was non-weight-bearing. I am having more pain now that I am weight-bearing. It’s different pain than what I had in the beginning. I feel as though I am learning how to walk all over again. I also have swelling above the knee which I noticed in the emergency room. That was worse in the beginning but it is still swollen and my leg feels heavy in that area. I am using a cane most of the time and start the day with minimal pain but by the end of the day, my knee and foot are hurting a lot. I think I may be overdoing the walking now that I am able to. I have been icing it a lot and that seems to help. I can also take Ibuprofen now and that also helps. Like you, I was also very active at the time of my accident and when my surgeon told me that I would basically be immobile for 3 months, I was shocked! I couldn’t imagine not being able to do my usual routine but, honestly, these past 3 months have flown by for me. Between going to physical therapy 3x per week and doing exercises 3x per day, the days and months have gone by quickly. Also, everything that I did such as getting out of the house just to go to physical therapy, showering, and doing my exercises at home, exhausted me so all I wanted to do was rest when I could. My advice is to be patient with yourself; rest, eat well, drink water, do your physical therapy exercises and have visitors and/or phone calls from friends and family. I caught up on television series and movies. I am now 13 weeks into my recovery and I can’t believe that 3 months have passed by. You can do this – just take it slow!
Jake, you’re welcome, and from everything that I have read about removal of hardware with respect to TPF, and from my own doctor’s opinion and also from his Physician’s Assistant’s opinion, it seems to me that removal of the hardware is best. It’s difficult to imagine that I will have to go back to the hospital in the near future for surgery once again but from what I understand about the removal of hardware and the recovery from it, it is minor compared to the recovery from a TPF recovery. Please tell your wife that the time does pass quickly. I had a very good support system between family and friends and, honestly, between going for physical therapy 3x per week and exercising at home 3x per day, these past 3 months have gone by quickly. Everyone needs to have patience right now and know that with the proper rest, physical therapy, food and care, your wife will have a speedier recovery. She should not push herself to do what she cannot. I kept myself busy with reading, doing puzzles, and catching up on television series and movies. I also spoke with friends and family on the phone and had numerous visits when I felt up to it. She will do fine, I am sure, and she should just try to take things one day at a time!
I was hit nearly head-on in an MVA Feb 16, 2016. Dx’d with slight concussion,right ankle fx, tibial plateau fx, 3 fx ribs, hematomas from under right arm to sole of right foot. Airbag bruising to chest & left calf. Right calf has a large non resolving hematoma the full length of the calf that will be surgically opened and drained next week. Surgery was not required for the TPF. I use a walker to stand & pivot to wheelchair. Due to fx ribs at 3+ weeks out it is still too painful to use my right arm enough to be independent in transferring yet and will remain NWB for another 4 weeks. My PT just had me start some exercises, aside from foot circles etc that began right after accident.
I have continued to need narcotic pain control, mostly for the ribs and calf; by second week 3 – 4 norco in 24hrs, then and currently one at bedtime (which is in a recliner) and one more during early am on two days recently.
I am alarmed by how painfull (in addition to the ribs etc) that any attempts to bend my knee is at this point. I am 67,work 2 jobs and am used to being on the run always. I fully expected to be “back to normal” in 3 – 4 months. I consider myself blessed to be alive, but am now wondering what else is ahead. Anyone with similar experiences out there to help me swallow the disappointment I am feeling, fighting tears missing time with my grandkids and my work.