My tibial plateau fracture recovery journey continues. Read my full journey here.
Tibial Plateau Fracture Recovery:
August 1st, 2017 I was released to 50% WB (weight bearing) by my orthopedic surgeon. He didn’t give me any other instructions other than handing me another prescription for 6 more weeks of physical therapy 3x/week. He said he would see me again in 7 more weeks. By this time I had more than researched my break and recovery timetable and knew even when I was released to FWB (full weight bearing) that I wouldn’t just toss the crutches aside and continue on with life as I had known it before this traumatic injury.
Turns out, I had to teach myself how to walk again. And when I say I had to teach myself, I literally mean I HAD TO TEACH MYSELF. Sure, I went to my physical therapy visit 1x/weekly, but my therapist never worked on teaching me how to walk again. It’s not that he wouldn’t have if I wanted him to. He just didn’t need to because I was so diligent about learning on my own. I always seemed to be ahead of myself in physical therapy because I would research stuff at home and work so hard in between my PT sessions. I’m convinced that is why he only wanted to see me once a week. Did I mention that I hated PT. But I showed up anyway!
Talk about another downer. Sure, I was happy to be on my way to walking at 8 weeks postop, but when I left my surgeons office that day, I started counting the weeks until my next appointment and realized I would be at 50% WB for almost as long as I had been NWB (non weight bearing.) Cue those tears again. Why couldn’t I just be happy with what I was given?
The ol’ boyfriend had to give me yet another pep talk. “Hon, you have a lot of muscle building that you need to do. Use this time to get your leg stronger so when you’re released to walk it will be no big deal. Focus on the here and now.” As much as I hated to admit that, and the need to stop acting like a 2 year old, I knew he was right.
Basically 50% WB meant I could stand and equally distribute my weight, but while walking on crutches I couldn’t put more than half my body weight into my injured leg. So began my more intense physical therapy and weight bearing exercises. I did a lot lot of water therapy in those early weeks. Walking felt so good in water. My boyfriend would come home from work and we would head down to our condo pool and he would help me with my exercises.
I also did a lot more crutching around inside and outside the house to build up my stamina. I would put just enough weight through my injured leg and walk heel to toe then follow through with my good leg. My outings were also starting to pick up as well and I focused all my energy on building my leg muscles. Don’t get me wrong, the time still went slow, but a hell of a lot quicker than when I was stuck on the couch in those early postoperative days and weeks.
I suffered a lot of foot and ankle pain in those early weight bearing days. Go figure. That’s because nothing was in use for weeks and you would be surprised at how fast all your muscles atrophy from the chest down in just a matter of several days of non use. I had to work on regaining and using all my muscles. I also suffered a lot of lower back pain. Your gait tends to get thrown off and wonky when you walk with a limp. At 50 years of the age, the old hips aren’t what they used to be either.
Tibial Plateau Fracture Recovery Updates:
My scars were also healing nicely and muscle was starting to build on my leg.
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In between weeks, I would sneak a few steps in here and there just to see if I could walk on my own without any crutches. I had to will myself to take a step with my injured leg. It was so heavy. I literally walked like Herman Munster with my arms outstretched and it felt more like I was dragging my leg instead of walking.
I do wish I would have videoed some of those first awful steps. Of course, I cried because I wanted to just go back to my normal walk. It was so frustrating. I would only try a few steps, because I knew I wasn’t released to full weight bearing yet. The urge was too strong not to test the waters, but I didn’t want to risk more damage. I know my body and it’s limitations.
Tibial Plateau Fracture Recovery Extras:
Then September 10th Hurricane Irma showed up. It was also around this time that I noticed a red spot on my shin about the size of quarter. It wasn’t raised, and it didn’t look like a mosquito bite. I was so paranoid of anything that showed up on my leg or scar. I was terrified of infection. Of course I googled the hell out of flesh eating staph infection, and I was convinced that’s what it was. I knew if it grew over the next few hours, that I was probably a goner. Luckily, I woke up the next morning and my flesh was still intact.
I still had no clue what it was. Then one day I got out of the shower and was putting on lotion and noticed in the mirror a large red spot on the side of my left breast. What in the actual f*ck was going on? Was I having an allergic reaction to the metal in my leg? It finally dawned on me that I had been taking a Glucosamine Chondroitin supplement and I thought as rare as it was, maybe I was having an allergic reaction to that. I stopped taking it and kept an eye on the spots.
As if the Universe hadn’t played enough cruel jokes on me, I guess it still wasn’t finished. The spots continued to appear but came with a vengeance on my trunk and back area. Even with stopping the supplement. I finally called my primary care doctor and went in to get it checked.
The first question he asked me was “How did it start?”
” Well, I noticed a red spot on my leg that wouldn’t go away.” He looked at the spot on my lower shin and then examined my trunk area. It couldn’t have been more than 20 seconds and he said matter of factly, “Get dressed and meet me in my office. I know what this is. Don’t worry, you’re not having a reaction to your hardware. We’ll get you all fixed up.”
I went into his office and sat down. He said to me, “You have all the classic symptoms of Pityriasis Rosea. The spot on your leg is called a Herald patch which is classic of this rash. I’m going to give you a steroid injection today and put you on a Medrol Dose Pak. It should clear up after that.” He wrote the name down for me and told me to google it when I got home. Ha! As if I weren’t going to google the piss out of it had he not told me to.
While he was writing out my script I asked him, “How do you think I got this? Is it contagious?” He said it was viral and wasn’t contagious and it’s a very common rash. News to me. I’m a registered nurse and have never heard of it before.
I was trying to hold back tears, but they flowed so easily these days. “What’s wrong? You seem to be very upset?” I replied, “I’ve just been through a very traumatic injury and surgery and I’m very emotional and under a lot of stress.” He once again reassured me that the rash was going to clear up and to come back if it didn’t and we would do more testing.
I began the steroid dose pack and within a few days, I noticed a difference, but that ugly rash took several more weeks to completely clear up. To this day, I still don’t know how I contracted it if they say it’s not contagious. I did research it and I read that sometimes before the “herald patch” appears that cold like symptoms appear. I do remember having a slight sore throat for a day and a very runny nose for a couple of days. Then a week or so later the red patch appeared on my leg. The only thing I could think of, is that my immune system was so run down from using all it’s resources to heal my fracture that it didn’t have anything left in the tank to fend off a viral rash. I had been in and out of hospitals and my doctor’s office which was also located in the hospital. I likely picked up the virus along my infirmary travels. Thanks immune system!
Finally, September 19th rolled around and I went back for my 15 week postoperative visit and I had another set of x-rays taken.
The x-rays on the left were my x-rays when I was released to 50% weight bearing. The images on right were taken October 31st. I forgot to ask for my images at this particular visit. My surgeon said my fracture was healed and I could “lose the crutches.” You never saw a woman smile so big as I did that day. I wanted to jump off the table and hug my surgeon. He said he would see me again on Halloween. I also was released to go back to my office 2 days a week and work 3 days from home.
Once I walked out his office door, I literally walked to our car without my crutches. It wasn’t a fluid walk by any means and I had a pronounced limp but I was able to walk none the less. Looking back to how disappointed I was when I was first released to 50% WB, I could now understand the reasoning. All that time in-between allowed me to build muscle and stamina.
I bought a cane and would go between that and one crutch for the next week. I also returned to work the next week and used my cane at work those first 2 days back. After that, I was able to walk unassisted. It felt so good to be free again. And I could double fist a coffee in one hand and an orange juice in the other in the morning and walk at the same time. Oh happy day!
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I worked the next several weeks on my limp and stamina. The more I was able to walk, the faster time seemed to go again. Week by week my foot and ankle pain lessened. Walking wasn’t without pain either. It’s very uncomfortable walking with metal in your leg, but I was so grateful to have my feet back on the ground again. I also purchased a desk cycle for under my desk so I could rehab my leg while I worked. It took some practice but I got proficient at cycling while typing. I also keep a stool under my desk to put my leg on when it’s tired or to keep swelling at bay.
By the time my next appointment rolled around on Halloween I had been discharged from physical therapy and my doctor said everything looked great and was completely healed. I told him I have a lot of discomfort from my hardware when I walk, and he said we could take out the hardware in one year and we would discuss it at my next visit in April 2018. He released me to go back to work 4 days a week and work one day from home.
I guess that brings us to present date. I still have a slight limp and it’s more pronounced as the day goes on or if I overdo walking or other activities. I have found a happy medium through trial and error. In addition to using a cycle at work, I exercise my leg in the mornings when I get up. I walk several times a week around my block. Some days we will take a drive to the beach so I can work different muscles and also work on my gait walking on the sand. The ocean and sunshine are an added bonus. My leg still gets sore when I walk, and I’m hoping that will improve in the next several months. It has already improved compared to when I first began walking.
I can go up and down stairs, but it’s not fluid. Some days I’m just too tired and still go up and down one foot at a time instead of alternating. As my leg strengthens more, I am working on that. I still can’t run, but try from time to time. I never was much of a runner as far as running as a mode of exercise, but I would like to be able to run from danger…or a bee! I do think that will come in time.
And just in case you haven’t seen enough overhead photos of my legs, here is one more. My fractured knee is starting to look more like my other. My ankle/foot pain and swelling have finally subsided. I still suffer from ankle swelling from time to time. Nothing a little R.I.C. E. won’t fix! (rest, ice, compression, elevation.)
I do suffer from constant knee pain with walking. < Insert sarcastic chuckle and eye roll here > Walking just isn’t comfortable with a shit ton of metal in your knee. If you look closely at the photo below you can see my herald patch that decided to hang around for the holidays!
This injury remains a part time job. It’s the first thing I think about when my feet hit the floor in the morning and the last thing I think about before drifting off to sleep. I will tell you that every morning the second my feet hit the ground, I say a prayer of gratitude. That, I won’t ever forget to do. We don’t realize how we take our bodies for granted until we aren’t able to use them. Walking is something I will never take for granted again!
This has certainly been a journey, and it is by no means over yet, but at this stage I am fairly active and doing just about everything I did before my injury. Again, not with ease or without pain and discomfort, but I’m so grateful to be among the living again and contributing to society and home chores again.
I will update my progress from time to time. I do hope to get back to some normalcy in my life and some new recipe posts. With the holiday baking season upon us, that should be easy to do.
Thank you for sharing your experience. I am 15 weeks post-surgery and still cannot walk without crutches. My PT has only been approximately every three weeks and hasn’t been overly helpful tbh, but my brace came off on Monday and the consultant told me I should be swimming and using an exercise bike, so I have been to a gym for the first time today and actually feel that I have used the muscles.
TPF is a horrid injury that happens in a moment then robs us of dignity and independence. By sharing you have helped me and others know that we will walk again, just got to keep on with the exercise.
Hi Celina, I’m so sorry for your injury. It really is a horrid injury, but it’s recoverable, albeit a loooong recovery. You are exactly correct about the exercise. Rehabbing the leg is a part time job and you have to find the go between of not overdoing it and exercising it enough to build muscle. Early on, the pool really helped me. Just keep rehabbing that leg and trust me, you will walk again! This injury takes at least 1 -3 years for full recovery and is so unique for everyone from our breaks, to surgical vs nonsurgical, to our recoveries. A positive attitude really goes a long way with this injury. Best of luck to you.
Thanks for sharing your story. I’m ten weeks into my tpf journey. Six weeks NWB, four eeeks PWB with two crutches.
Physio again tomorrow-see what’s next. I’ve been pretty good doing my physio at home, but not feeling brave about walking, or removing brace.
Got off the painkillers at last. Aching lots, but moving around more.
I am 58 years old and was a very active person up until my injury. Your article gave me hope. I am 9 weeks post surgery. Looking forward to the day I can ditch the walker! Good luck to you
Hi Magge, I’m also 58. I’m 3 weeks post surgery. Tpf Grade 6. Still locked at 30 degrees. Was very fit prior to accident. So keen to get on my feet again and back to work and hiking. How is your recovery going.
Jacqui 🌼
Thank you for telling your story,i am 4 days post surgery with a similar injury from a tree trunk hitting my knee,i am 50 and was very concerned about recovery.After reading your story ,i now know there
is hard work ahead but it will pay off.Know one tells you anything about your injury or how it will feel so i was lucky to find your experience as i just started on the net to find some hope .Thank you again and i hope you are walking in the sun.
Hi Andrew. I’m very sorry for your injury. I was so concerned about my recovery as well and really had to research to find others who suffered this injury. There were a few forums on the internet I stumbled upon, but most of them were doom and gloom. I steered clear of those and sought out more positive stories from others who have suffered this injury and made great recoveries. One thing is for sure, it’s definitely up to us as to how well we recover. Physical therapy, exercise, nutrition and vitamin supplementation are all so important as well as a positive attitude. You’re very fresh into your recovery so hang in there and keep the faith.
Thank you for sharing. Tomorrow marks 4 months since surgery. I am having to learn to walk again definitely a challenge. Rom is not good at the moment, bending my leg is out of the question for now, dew to fear I think and pain. I can’t wait til the day I can walk again without assistance. I am only 5 years younger than you and thank you for the information you shared it has helped me into knowing it’s up to me to walk. I was released to go back to work and live life best I can. I am going Friday to the pool I hope that triggers my brain to help me walk..again thank you for sharing.
Hi Tammy. I’m so sorry for your injury. This injury takes a long time to heal from. I’m only 7 months post op and you’re only 4 months. Don’t be so hard on yourself. It can take anywhere from 1-3 years for healing, even though the bone has mended, there is still a lot of healing going on in there. For the most part, I’m doing well. I have tolerable discomfort when I walk due to the hardware, but my surgeon said we can take it out at one year mark if it is still bothering me. In the meantime, I’m doing everything possible to build my quad muscle back. My calf muscle and hamstring aren’t as lagging as my quad. We’ll get there. Just keep plugging away, you will walk unassisted again! I’ll be posting an update in the near future. Best of luck to you.
Sherri thanks again for this blog – it really does resonate with me and I’m thankful that you took the time to document your process 🙂 Just wondering how you like the Desk Cycle? I’ve been cleared for going back to work 20 hours a week (remotely) next week but love, love, love this idea. I note that some of the cycles didn’t get the best reviews online -Marketplace. Can you share where you found yours?
Hi Karen! I purchased it through Amazon.I love my desk cycle! It’s sturdy and quiet. It doesn’t make any noise at all, unlike my noisy chair. It’s a bit heavy so you might want someone to drop it off for you. It’s measures your miles and calories too. It really has made my leg stronger and burning calories while working is a bonus!
Thankyou all for sharing your stories about your injuries. It has been a little over 3 months since my injury and I want this now. After reading all of your stories I am probably right where I should be with this injury as well as very fortunate. You all are very inspiring and please know you all have my blessings as im right there with you with the tears and wanting to walk again. Patience and alot of hard hard work and determination is exactly what I see. Thankyou all as you have given me the hope I needed!!
I am now limping pretty good without assistance. But, I am up and in the world of the working. The limping sure tires me out quick. Still trying to do the hill toe strike now that’s a challenge. Saw your picture of you walking on the beach, I am hoping this July I can walk on the beach. What about the knee popping ? mine has popped once and the pain was indescribable but it went away quick. I hope that doesn’t happen again. Thanks for your updates and please keep the informative info coming……1-3 years…geee that’s a good bit of time.
Hi Tammy. The stronger your leg gets, the less limping you will have. I still have a very slight limp and may always have it, or at least until or if my hardware comes out. It feels so different from my other leg, but not as foreign as it felt during the early stages of recovery, if that makes sense. My knee cracks and clicks, mostly when I’m moving side to side or coming down stairs, that sort of thing. Can’t say it causes pain though. Yes, I’m about due for an update. I’m coming around to nearly 9 months postop!
You’ll be back on the beach walking as well. At first I was so afraid of falling, but if I were to fall I wouldn’t mind sand to land in. I haven’t fallen (knock on wood) yet, and hope it stays that way. On the other hand, it would be nice to know how the knee feels and holds up. I’m waiting for the ocean to warm up and calm down a bit and going to try paddle boarding to work on my balance.
Happy healing!
Ooo yes, the falling scare is definitely there, I hope to not fall. The doc said I couldn’t mountain bike anymore due to the possible crashes/wipeouts, said it would be a huge chance I would mess the leg up. That was a bummer to hear. So strengthening the muscles in the leg is the key to no limping hopefully. I did get told about the limp for the rest of my life, but I’m still in the denial stage on that….the knee/leg does feel different than the other but no pain really. I do have that swelling still, so a compression hose is used while at work due to the long hours on my feet…you are so inspiring, thank you for the feed back and positive vibes you send out to help us heal it’s great to know that someone out there understands….
Hello! I’m so grateful I came across your blog. I am 3 weeks post-op and every day is feeling like an hour has gone by. I was an avid skier, runner, yogi, and hiker before my injury and now I see my.body turning to mush and it’s so upsetting. I am also a nurse (practitioner) and my employer will not allow me to see patients as long as I’m on crutches – a nice break at first but now I’m feeling like a burden. I’m sorry to hear about your struggles but can tell you are a positive person, and I hope I can be, also! Thank you for sharing your story! -Renee
Hi Renee. So sorry to hear about your injury. It’s a really scary thing to happen and recovery has so many unknowns, but the more we all share about our recovery the better for all of us affected by this injury. While we all have unique breaks and recoveries we all share commonalities with this injury. I wish you a blessed recovery. Hang in there you’ll ultimately get through it and become a stronger person for it.
Hello, I hope all is well with everyone. So, today I attempted to walk around in the yard, but first I had to come down about 3 steps, did pretty good with that, but started walking after the steps and seemed to have lost footing, in the mean time the right leg (The surgery leg) seemed to have buckled it’s a bit sore in the knee area now, good news I didn’t hit the ground. It’s been a few hours it’s sore as all I get out, I just hope in the morning it’s okay or do you think I should go let the doc check it out. I haven’t been having pain just swelling, but now there is both…..need advice please
Tammy, my advice would be to call your surgeon and see if he wants to evaluate you. Always err on the side of safety. More than likely everything is ok.
Hope you heal fast and well.
Hi Sherri. I am 11 weeks post op and terrified of when I take my first step. My husband has really had a tough time dealing with my injury and when I heard how much time it has taken to walk without crutches…..I broke down. This has been my second major injury….2 years ago I dual fractured my ankle. Then six months later had a hysterectomy and a perforated colon after that! I am 54 and feel so depressed over this. I will work hard to rehab but feel overwhelmed for sure. Thanks for posting about your journey….it gives me hope when I began to lose it.
Susan, I’m so sorry to hear about your injury, and I’m sorry your husband is having a difficult time as well. I hope he understands just how serious an injury this is. Please know that it will get better. At 11 weeks, you’re almost on you way to walking again. Don’t give up. It’s possible to make a great recovery. Keep the faith and work hard at your physical therapy. This injury is something I have to work at everyday. I’m heading towards a year and I’m still recovering. I struggle with quad strength still, but I work on it continuously and the more I work, the stronger I’m getting. I wish you all the best in your recovery.
Thanks for the encouragement! We have allot in common…..both South FL girls in out 50’s who love cooking! I owned a catering business for several years. Last night was a tough night emotionally and today is much better! I will continue to work hard so I can put this behind me. People who have not experienced this really don’t understand just how tough this is!! Thanks again!
Hi, Sherri. I really appreciate your inspiring and encouraging blog. I sustained a TPF this past Christmas in a ski accident. I’m a lot like you in that I’m of a similar age and have read anything and everything I could about TPFs and outcomes during my recovery, which initially was pretty discouraging. Then I found your blog, which I found very relatable, eased my worries and gave me reason for hope. Prior to my injury, I was in the best shape of my life and was very active – skiing, hiking, mountain climbing, running and competing in dance. Now, 12 weeks post-op (10 weeks NWB), with the help of some very intense PT and my diligence in doing the recommended exercises, I’m walking about a mile a day (though not all at once!), only slightly assisted with a cane, and I can walk short distances unaided at work and home. I have a limp when I walk unassisted, and my knee, ankle and foot definitely get tired and sore at the day, but the improvement in the past couple of weeks in particular is very encouraging. After reading your blog, I also bought a Desk Cycle, which I keep at work, and love it! My surgeon thinks I should be able to ease back in to some of my prior activities soon. My biggest worry is recovering the full extension of my injured leg; I’m still about 1-2 degrees off of fully straight. It’s improving in small increments but the process is slow and frustrating and really seems to affect my gait. Have you recovered you full extension yet? If so, at what point did this happen for you, and what exercise did you find most effective toward this end? Thanks again for sharing your experiences, which I found so helpful in keeping my spirits up! Hope your healing process also continues to go well, and I look forward to your next updates!
Hi Tanya, I’m so sorry to hear about your injury. I have to say my extension came back before I was full weight bearing around 15 weeks PO. I would put a 5 lb Velcro weight around my ankle or sit it on my knee and rest my heel on the coffee table or stool and let gravity do the work. You can also lay on your tummy on the bed and let your legs dangle over the side. Try not to get too freaked out over it. You will eventually get there. My flexion is functional at 10 months out but not fully what is was before. But that’s ok. I try not to let it bother me, but I still work on it. This recovery is a bitch and we can make gains years out. The trick is to never give up. Happy healing!
Thank you so much for sharing your story! I feel like most people I talk to who have broken their tibia have broken it close to the ankle, rather than the knee, which is definitely a different type of healing experience. I myself broke both my tibial plateau and the fibula plateau straight across in my right leg because of a horseback riding accident on 5/13/2017. I had surgery to put in a metal plate and screws in June and now I am just trying to get back to point A. The biggest issue I have is just the knee pain from walking, and that pain then translating to my left leg because of having to overcompensate. I don’t know if this pain is from weakness from the break or the hardware or something else, I just want it to go away. Do you have any recommendations for easing the pain? Especially when you know you are going on a long walk? I know you said you might get your hardware removed pretty soon, if that stops or at least decreases the pain please let me know. All the physicians I have spoken to just tell me that the hardware is fine and they no longer need to remove it anymore, and that the pain I feel is just from leg weakness. But if that is what is causing this pain I definitely want it out!
Hi Marina. Wow our horse riding accidents were literally a week apart. I try to use homeopathic remedies for my knee. I’m currently using Arnica gel and Bio freeze. I use the arnica gel daily after I shower and the bio freeze when I’ve over did an activity. I still use anti inflammatories when I get swelling. I also have started making and drinking bone both a couple of times a day which they say helps arthritis. I’ve not been officially diagnosed with arthritis as my last visit with my OS, he said I didn’t have any signs of it, but it could take up to 2 years to appear. Gah! I still have leg weakness as well. I work on my exercises daily. My quad is still lacking, well all of my left leg muscles really. But I can tell my leg strength has improved and it definitely makes walking easier. I see my surgeon again next month and I’m looking forward to what he has to say about hardware removal. If he doesn’t agree to do it, like he said at my last visit, I’ll find someone who will, as I hate this metal feeling in my leg. I’d rather he take it out, since he put it in. I’m due for another update on my blog as well.
Happy healing!
Thanks sooo much for sharing your story with us. Its really an inspiration. Im on my 15 weeks POP and Im on 50% WB. My next apomnt is on next week n hopefully that day Doctor will released me to full weight bearing. Can you guide me where to go on the internet to help myself to start trying a little to learn how to walk by myself? You are a big inspiration.
Hi Rachel, I’m so sorry for your injury. That’s great news that you’re almost FWB! I literally scoured the internet and Youtube for videos of how to walk. There isn’t much out there. No matter how you slice it, you need muscle strength in your leg to walk and walk correctly. I had a limp for a while and I still limp when I over do something, but after some rest, I’m good to go again. My best advice is to really focus on rehabbing/exercising your leg. You will probably walk like a zombie in the first stages of walking again, but with rehab and practice, you will get much better at it and faster. It just takes time, which seems to be the theme of this injury right? Wish you all the best in your continued recovery.
Thanks so much Sherri for your quick response. You such a big inspiration for those who are walking this hard process. Another thing I forgot to ask you, is if you are, or if you had any type of discomfort, or pain on the side where the plate is? Im noticing since few days ago, that when I walk I feel so.e type of duscomfort, n a little of pain on that side, not much, its just when I walk, from time to time. I really hope, and have faith my bone is completly heal and Doctor give me that news Im waiting for. Last thing Sherri, how your leg feel when your bone was completly heal? I ask that question to check on mine n see if I can tell on my leg ????. Thanks so very much. God bless you in a big way for tje idea of posting all your experience.
Hi Rachel. Yes, every time I walk I feel the long plate. My whole knee area feels like it has a vice grip around it. I get shin splints as well. Walking certainly isn’t as easy as pre TPF, but it’s not as hard as it was learning to walk again after the TPF. Building muscle and stamina definitely helps, but nothing takes away that feeling of the metal in my leg. It’s almost been a year and my all my leg muscles are still lacking in comparison to my right leg, especially my quad.
As far as how my leg felt when my surgeon said it was completely healed, well how my leg felt didn’t really match up with what he was telling me. From an orthopedic trauma surgeon’s standpoint and x-ray, it was completely healed as far as the bone being knitted back together. However, from my standpoint it didn’t feel completely healed at all. It was hard to walk and I have daily residual pain. It’s not debilitating pain, more annoying and bothersome than anything. It becomes a new normal that you adjust to.
I was shopping at our local mall yesterday and there for a few hours on my feet, except for a quick lunch break at the food court, and walking out to our car I said to my boyfriend, “I really miss my old body.” There’s nothing I can do except to power through the annoying discomfort. I can’t spend the rest of my life on a couch. I also know that my leg is still healing even this far out and I have hope that things will continue to improve. It’s just takes time…like watching a glacier melt.
Thats is true, you wish you had your old body again. Im 41 yrs old, and I said that everyday. I know its a process, but Im glad Im moving forward too, like you have. My good leg (right one) gives me a little of discomfort, I think its because I still putting more weight on it, and it gets tired, but I try that not to win over me. I talk to my legs ???? and tell them we gonna be strong, as much as funny that it heards but I feel I have to convinced myself sometimes all is goona good. This is a very painful n stressful process, but we have to be strong. I still not able to sleep 100% conftarble on my side, because my injured leg feels so heavy, n gives me that pain sensation when I put it on my side position. Hopefully it will get better. Thank you so much again Sherri
Hi Sherri! I just want to give an updated on my injured. I went to the Dr today, he released me to Weight Bearing As Tolerate. Because most of my bone is healed, its just a very tiny piece still need healing but he said it was fine for me to put 100% weight on it. He also state that if I feel any bad pain on the tibia side, just go bk to 50%. Today after my appmnt I practice a little and was fine, but after hours I feel a little disconfort in the tibia side. Did u feel any type of pain on ur tibia, when u start walking? mines is not bad, its just a feeling that comes n go. It might be bk the bone havent feel that weight for so long.
Rachel, that’s is all very normal. Even at 10 months out I still have discomfort when walking. It gets better with time and rehab.
Hello Sherrie. I am happy to have found this website. In March of 2016 I fractured (crushed) my tibial plateau just below the knee. I have two 8 inch metal plates and about 23 screws. I worked hard at my rehab and PT was a blessing. I never fully recovered 100% ROM in my knee, but that was okay, because after a year I was finally able to walk without a limp. Now for a word of caution. I was feeling SO good that I asked my doctor if I could go back to horseback riding. He said that would be fine if I keep the metal plates in. It’s a good thing I did as I was bucked off by a nervous horse and this time broke my hip. I now have a partial hip replacement added to the mix. It seems that this recovery is just as bad as the first. I have terrible ROM in my knee now, and was told I will definitely be a candidate for a knee replacement in the future! This news was very depressing to me, so please everyone, don’t be foolish like me. I guess I am just too fearless for my own good. If I could turn back the clock, I would not have gotten on another horse after my first big operation. It was foolish of me and I am paying the price.
Oh no Fran! I’m so sorry to hear about your hip fracture and partial replacement. I think recovering from any lower extremity broken bones is the worst! Don’t beat yourself up, how were you to know? I will admit though, I’m much more careful these days, and I vow to never get on a horse again. I don’t even want to be near one, as that is how my TPF happened. I wish you a blessed recovery and hope you won’t need that knee replacement for a long while!
Wow Fran that must have been very tough! I know you have regrets about the horse but that just shows how brave you are! I currently have a tpf from falling down my stairs and I feel like I’m scared to death of the stairs now. I had a dual fracture to my ankle 2 years ago and some other major health issues. You will get past this! Good luck on your recovery! Sending postive vibes your way!!!!
Hi Sherri,
Like so many others, I am so glad to have found your site. My TPF happened on vacation in Mexico getting slammed by a big wave. My leg was stabilized at a local clinic, by getting crutches, a leg brace, and pain meds. Flying home with a broken leg was not fun. I am at 6 weeks post surgery and will hopefully start partial weight bearing at 8 weeks. The pain is mostly gone, but my leg aches most of the time. Ths has been a huge interruption in every day life. Never will I take the simple tasks of daily living for granted again. I am so emotional and the tears come so easy. But, I am thankful I will walk again. Thank you for sharing your story.
Cheryl
Hi Cheryl, I’m so sorry for your injury. How bad do you hate waves now!? It blows my mind that a wave can cause a TPF! This most certainly is a life changing injury. It is humbling for sure. I like you, had that achy feeling in my leg, remember there’s still a lot going on in there and it takes a year or more to recover from this injury. That achy feeling will go away one day, trust me on that. I do remember once it went away around the 20 or so week mark, that is when my regular sleep pattern returned.
As you recover more, the tears will become less and less also. I only tear up every few months or so now! LOL. Sorry, I hope you’re getting my humor. It’s my humor that got me through this crappy injury. I wish you all the best in your recovery. Happy Healing!
Cheryl, I also acquired my fracture by getting slammed by a wave in Florida. I am 6 weeks post op and have been release to partial weight bearing. Even partial weight causes aching pain. I know I just started PWB but it is disappointing to take Pam medication again.
Enjoying reading your journey with the TPF. I am a 70 female and suffered a TPF March 21 on my last ski run of the season. Had ORIF March 28, and get Xray in a few days and I do hope I can put some weight on the leg because this non weight bearing stuff is hard in the rest of the body. Do hope to ski again but not as aggressively, and of course depending on how my knee recovers.
Carol, I’ve no doubt that you WILL return to skiing. Wish you all the best.
Thankyou all for sharing your stories about your injuries. It has been a little over 3 months since my injury and I want this now. After reading all of your stories I am probably right where I should be with this injury as well as very fortunate. You all are very inspiring and please know you all have my blessings as im right there with you with the tears and wanting to walk again. Patience and alot of hard hard work and determination is exactly what I see. Thankyou all as you have given me the hope I needed!!
Hi sherri, thanks for posting such a detailed recovery. My TPF was caused a car accident and had my surgery on 3/1 and now on to the 10 weeks mark and able to do 50% weight bearing. Like u I am a nurse at a rehabilitation center ..the irony …haha …I need to be on my feet all day. I wonder does ur knee/ leg / feet bother u when u are at work ? I am so worry now my injury will affect work coz u knw nurses need to be fast on their feet all the time. Also I see ur scar is healing so nicely and barley noticeable now ..but my scar is still very purple red and bulging out a lot . Was yours like mine too or it was nice and flat at the beginning? I am worry my scar will be like this forever..I still wanna be like u wear pretty dress and show off my legs >. < ..even thoguh they were pretty to begin with. Haha …thanks again for sharing
Hi Allison. I’m so sorry to hear about your accident and injury, but glad you landed here. I work a desk job so I’m thankful I don’t have to be on my feet all day. I honestly don’t know how I would have done it going back to work if I worked Labor and Delivery like I used to. But even when I went back to my desk job I had to go back a couple of days a week and progressively increase. I still suffered swelling sitting at my desk but as my recovery went on and the more active I became, the less swelling I had. As far as my scar goes, I really have to credit my surgeon for that. He did an amazing job and used inside sutures and glue. I also massaged my scar a lot during recovery. I almost hate to have it cut back open, but I really want this hardware out. Honestly, my scar doesn’t bother me at all anymore like it did when I first saw it. I’d like to think there is so much more to us than our scars. Your also still pretty early in recovery so give your scar some time to settle down. I wish you all the best in your recovery.
Hi sherri thanks for your reply. I just had my follow up with surgeon today, my over all healing is good and I am free from cretchers and cane. So I am a free woman now YAY !!! But wht still bothers me is my top of foot and heel (well pretty much the whole foot) on my injured leg is hurting a lot when walking, the pain started since I was full on weight bearing , I asked my surgeon about it but he didn’t give me much advice except send me to a podiatrist. I asked PT and they didnt give me much advice but tell me keep doing the strengthening exercise. I know u said when u started PT u had a lot of pain too. Is there any PT exercises that helped u, can u please give me some example so I can do it at home. Thanks a lot and stay happy and beautiful ~
Allison, yes it’s very normal to suffer from foot pain once you go full weight bearing. Remember, while NWB nothing is being used on that leg other than doing isometric maintenance exercises. So everything tends to shrink and atrophy, even in our foot. I’m surprised your surgeon didn’t relay that to you. I mean it’s all relative right? Doctors tend to cover their asses when it comes to that sort of thing. Most likely, nothing is wrong with your foot, other than building everything back again. If it will settle your mind to see the podiatrist, then by all means do it, at least you will know for sure right?
I did a lot of rolling the bottom of my foot on a tennis ball, when I was NWB and WB. I did a shit ton of ankle ROM exercises as well as heel/calf raises. While all that helped it was really time and walking that helped the pain to subside. It took a good couple of months for the foot pain to go away. Almost everyone in my support group that I’m in complained of the same thing once FWB. It’s very normal and just another part of the injury we have to deal with in addition to all the other TPF stuff. Hang in there, it’s going to go away, I promise.
Sherri… So glad to see you have made so much progress since I first came across your site several weeks ago. The dr told me on my July 9th visit, I could start 50% WB. I don’t start PT until next week so not quite sure what 50% is so I’ve just been putting a little weight on it around house. Dr said I should be able to do FWB in appx 4-6 weeks after starting PT. Hope that’s true. I have been exercising my leg in the pool & trying to build the muscle in my upper leg. I fell about a month ago at home. Hurt like heck but didn’t do any damage. Got to get one of the little cycle exercisers. I’m hoping to walk without crutches by end of September???
Best of luck with your continued progress.
Frances
Hello Sherri,
I just wanted to give update. I am now 9 months and 10 days post OP. I made it to the beach this July 4th week. I can tell you walking on the sand was a definite challenge. The doc put me in a brace that has hinges for more stability while I was at the beach(nice accessory). I do have a small limp still, but it’s better on some days than others. I have never sweated so much while I was at the beach in my life…had fun tho just breathing the air and knowing I was alive was great. I was wondering if your knee/leg does any buckling this seems to be happening when I walk for sometime and my leg is tired, scared me to death. The pool therapy is awesome thanks for the info on that. I feel normal in the pool. I hope you are doing well, hope your summer is going great ooo and my scar healing nicely almost can’t tell I have one for real looks like a scratch….thanks again for all your feedbacks….
I’m so so happy to have found your blog! My husband is 6 weeks post op so we are still very much in the thick of it. He is 59 so I’m afraid he may have a tougher go than he realizes. He’s a good patient but I can tell it’s starting to get him down. He’s a doer, very active normally. Boredom is the devil we fight these days. I’m reading and retreading your posts and am just so grateful to hear from someone who understands what these fractures are like and have made it to the “other side”. I wish you continued success in your recovery.
Deborah, I’m so sorry to hear about your husband’s injury. It really does affect our immediate family also, because they are the one’s that take care of us. I was so grateful for my boyfriend. He did everything for 4 months while I was laid up. Gah, that was such an awful time. Life is much better these days. Don’t forget to make sure you make some time for yourself since you are doing the load of 2. 59 is still young and your husband can and will recover. My leg sure won’t ever be the same, but I still got it, and it works! And since I’ve had my partial hardware removal my leg feels so much better. It was part of the reason I limped. I wish you both all the best. Keep me posted if you can. I’m definitely due for another update post.
Rory, I’m so sorry for your injury. Wow falling through an attic! Talk about PTSD right? I hope your surgeon has you weight bearing and wish you all the best in your recovery. I appreciate you taking the time to read and I graciously thank you and I’m glad I was able to offering you a better understanding of this injury. It really not a “one size fits all” type of injury that’s for sure.
hi sherri, I did mine in bali five weeks ago, and I read a bit of yours a few weeks back when checking this crap out, the bit about the horse and your leg being at a right angle, and thought shit, okay, mine’s not as bad. And couldn’t find the rest till today. mines a two on that scale, but yours seems so much worse. never the less, it’s the worst thing that’s happened to me in my life, and like most people who write, you just write what happens so been keeping a bit of a diary. it’s just a total shock to the norm, just getting a coffee. but three wks post op and most of the pain has gone but still a way before I walk. just putting a link here, but don’t feel obliged to read it. you just feel the need to write about this shit, through the darkness, the insecurities, and hopefully recovery. I don’t know why to be honest, because it’s horrible. all the best, al https://www.patreon.com/allangraveur
Today, I will be seeing the surgeon. Six weeks ago I suffered a tibial plateau fracture, a broken wrist, and a shattered shoulder- all on the left side…this, after Swiffering! Sheesh! 😮
Reading your blog has been an inspiration and encouragemen- thanks so much! To you, and all the commenters, mazel on your recovery and journey toward good health!
Hi Sherry,
I’m just 10 weeks post surgery for my TPF. I also broke my clavicle opposite side, when I slipped on ice.
I’m still NWB, hoping when I see doc on the 23 of April. I’m going to start pool therapy tomorrow. Good idea.
I have Full range of motion of my knee, my biggest concern is tightness Achilles tendon.
I do wear a boot at night to prevent plantar flexion.
I’m mostly Walker now, no crutches yet..wheel chair still for distance.
I’m a physician assistant and was working 12-16 hour shifts. I’m 66 and this may be my retirement, altho I had hoped to work thru Christmas.
I’m so grateful u have made this blog available. It gives me hope.
I walked 11 miles the day be4 my injury.
I’m anxiously awaiting WB, but I see a long recovery ahead.
Again. Grateful to u for sharing info and giving me hope.
Janei
Thank you for documenting your recovery time from this injury. I can relate to everything you say quite well. I fractured my tibia, when my dog who was running around playing with my other dog, he ran straight into my knee. This happened on the 2nd February 2019 and I had surgery on the 7 February 2019. Was hospitalized for a few days, for the swelling to go down, prior to the op with a brace on. I also had one of those braces like yours. I was completely straight in that for 14 days after the operation, and then the doctor loosened it to 90 degrees, after the stitches/clips came out and then I had to start bending it. Brace came off on the 9 March 2019. At present, I am using a walker, but need to start using crutches, at the Physio’ s recommendation, because they want me to cut down to one stick.
This injury really knocked me for six, took every ounce of energy out of me, which I was not expecting. But like you, I started researching this out over the internet. I spent the first 4 weeks basically in bed. And like you again, my husband had to help me with everything in the beginning, but gradually, I started to see little improvements, in being a little independent. Just hobbling/sliding off the bed, and getting to toilet & doing strip washes myself, was a great achievement.
I never did have a lot of pain from this injury, but the deadness/numbness from my foot, was the worst. I had such burning pain, that woke me up, and trying to sleep with this brace on, was extremely uncomfortable. I still have numbness down the side of the leg (where the scar is), and on the top of one side of my foot, but with a slight improvement. It’s nearly 9 weeks from surgery and still have it. I mentioned this to my Orthopedic Surgeon and the Physiotherapist, neither of them, seem to concerned about the numbness. The OS said, it could take up to 6 months for that to heal.
Even though, I am still a long way from walking normal, reading recovery times, from this injury, such as yours, helps us all, what to expect, so that we can get our head around these things. I must also think about getting one of those exercise pedal machines, I think that would be a great help.
Take care of yourself and success in your further recovery.
Hi Sherri
Thank you for putting your story on the internet and for everyone else in your comments
I’m 4 months into my journey and as alignment was good even though stage vi they didn’t operate in the end. You are an inspiration as I’m still 50% weight bearing and in the knee brace. I’m getting frustrated with it all as the more I walk with my crutches the more the leg swells and stiffens up. Mornings I can do a lot and in the late pm I’m finished! I’m in my 50s and was previously rushing around always. I’m doing the PT and can do half squats which is a massive improvement but I’m impatient for more recovery. I’m so keen to drive again and see the consultant this Friday (I’m in the UK) – is this something that TPF guys do before they can fully walk-it would be a massive freedom boost. All the best to you Glenn Anne
Boy am I happy to have found your blog! I am 72 y/o. I fell on March 7, 2019 and have a tibia plateau fracture. I had a surface laceration from the fall that required 5 stitches in the ER on the day of the fall. I had surgery to install the hardware (very similar to your x-rays) on March 15. Between 3/15 and 3/29. I developed an infection at the wound site. I was readmitted to the hospital for debridement and cultures and was put on 24 hr antibiotics. The cultures tested positive for MRSA. I was in the hospital for 10 days on 24hr IV antibiotics and was released in a fixed, hinged knee immobilizer brace. While in the hospital I had 2 more surgeries to clean the wound. The last 2 were with a plastic surgeon who installed a biologic patch over the bone exposed by the debridement of the infected wound. I had a 1″ x 2″ pizza slice shaped wound just below my knee. The treatment of the wound has been handled by the plastic surgeon with weekly visits to the ortho as well. It is now May 24. I have been released for gentle weight bearing but we have been traveling to get back from So. Tx where the fall happened, to our home in MI, so I have not done much more than shift my weight back and forth while standing at a walker. Almost from the beginning I have “gas pedal pushes” with both feet, leg lifts and knee lifts, in the chair and in bed, and “snow angels” in the bed. It was all they would let me do. I am really scared to try to walk without PT instruction but at the same time I am anxious to get back to my life and my garden. I still have the open wound that is gradually shrinking, so it’s bandaged all the time.
I appreciate your positive attitude. It gives me hope that I will walk again.
Adair
This blog really helped me, especially in the beginning when I was constantly looking for more recovery info. I am now 13 months post tibia plateau surgery that left me with 2 plates and several screws, which my surgeon does not planning on removing unless problems arise. Even though I was 59 yrs of age, my bone healed within three months and there were no infections. The first few weeks of recovery after surgery were very difficult/painful. Just getting between the bed & bathroom, with help, was traumatic. I went back to work part-time, after 2 1/2 weeks, in a wheel chair. Looking back I probably should have taken off longer. I received ALOT of support from my friends & co-workers. Moved up to crutches then one crutch and finally a cane. Had a fall around 3 mths, but luckily my brace was on and didn’t have any damage, but it did really hurt. I’ve been able to ride my bicycle for several months now, which actually is easier than walking. I did walkout on the beach, very carefully on crutches (my dr asked me not to do that again). Stairs still give me a little issue but that is fading fast. I was able to squat pretty good recently for the first time. After PT I just kept working on gradually strengthening that leg. The floor pedal exerciser worked great for exercise early on especially. Complete recovery is still a work in progress. Sometimes it feels like a tourniquet around my leg right below the knee. I don’t know if that feeling is caused by the hardware or something else. I am finally convinced that eventually my leg may get back to almost normal.
I also had a dog run into the side of my knee. It happened on a Monday and I had surgery on Thursday. Went home with a brace brace and 4 screws and a plate. I was able to take off the brace on monday and shower using a chair in my walkin shower. Thank god I had a walk in shower. My doctor said I could leave the brace off if I was comfortable with that. I left it off.started pt twice a week right away for rom. Nwb for 8 weeks. Two weeks at fifty percent. After three weeks of fwb I went back to work. I’m a bartender and work about 7 hours with a break. My foot is the most painful part of my body when working. Good to know this is normal. I need to take it a little more slowly. My shoulder is messed up from overcompensating when I was nwb. Rom for it is not good . Going to pt for that now! Great info from this blog. I wish I had found it sooner. Best of luck to us all😊
I am so glad to find this blog. I was hit by a car on Memorial Day and am 5 weeks post surgery, had the external fixture first. Went back after three weeks and everything is healing well, they gave me PT exercises to do until I can start putting weight on, which will hopefully be in another 3 weeks. My biggest aggravation is the entire bottom of my foot feels really tight, it feels like I have dried clay on it and it cracks every time I move it. I have been massaging and exercising it a lot, it just feels so weird. Has anyone experienced this? It does have feeling. Also, if I stand for any length of time my injured leg gets red, especially while taking a shower, sitting on the shower seat. Thinking of rolling my foot on a frozen water bottle. I have learned a lot from reading everyone’s experiences through this, thank you so much.
Thank you so much for this. It is really hard to find good information about recovery from this injury. I am currently at week 13 post op. They took off my splint, and told me I can just start walking. They said I didn’t need PT and could just begin walking slowly and increasing distance. I found some videos and stuff on stretches and exercises to do because I cannot walk without my crutches it’s so frustrating for not being able to do it when the my doctor said I could just begin walking.
Thank you for blog, I am only 2.5 months post surgery,looks just like yours. Thank you for information, lots of tears for reality I am facing.
Hi. I randomly came across this /your blog. I am at about 15 weeks post surgery and still have not been released from WB. However, your information has been so helpful, gracious, supportive and calming! I can not thank you enough. Sounds maybe a little over complimentary but I have had not googled, just trusted and felt like I should not have been. People I work with do not believe it takes this long to heal and although they have been gracious well..after reading what you have written I feel validated.
My age, personality and situation is very similar. I am ready to do my own PT in the water and get an under desk peddle contraption…just waiting on a release to WB something!
So glad I googled! Puts a light at the end of this tunnel. I have cried and had moments of panic (and now unfortunately know what anxiety means).
Thanks again and best regards, April
Hi,just found your blog.I am an 81year old RN, fractured my tibial plateau when wrenching my knee trying to avoid a fall after tripping June 14 in the hospital where my dear husband was in ICU.He passed away at home June 21.This has been a nightmare. I did not need surgery but I have been on no weight bearing for 3 3/4 months.Because I was extremely hypothyroid the concern was that the fracture had not healed properly.I also just had an MRI which shows torn ligament, exploded meniscus, torn ACL.They will do a complete knee replacement as soon as I can walk again. when? I have a torn ACL on my other knee as well. When I put weight on my leg for the first time 3 days ago the pain in my ankle was AGONIZING!.I have been using a desk cycle for 1 week, PT at home knee flexing only for 3 weeks, up to 95 degrees flexion.I have bad pain in both knees from the tears but I am really worried about the extreme pain in my ankle when I try to stand or walk.Dr says it is from not weight bearing/atrophy but I fear I may have injured that ankle at the same time I had the TPF. ?? Any advice about the extreme ankle pain? Reading about all of your experiences has been most helpful so I thank y’all for that!
Hi Sherry, I’m sure you’re tired of answering questions. But just came upon this part of your blog and I’d like to know – it’s October 2019 and are you walking without a limp? Do you still have pain?
My fracture occured 9/20; one month out today. I have a long way to go…and NO surgery on mine, it’s healing naturally…then a knee replacement.
PT is painful, but necessary. Sleeping through the night – nope.
Do let me know how you’re doing today. Thank you for your blog and honesty.
Hi Merry. Yes, I’m walking without a limp. I’m doing really well. You can and will recover from this. Sure I’ll never be 100% of what I was before my accident, but I’ve come a long way and so will you. It just takes time, patience, willpower, and a lot of PT exercises. Wish you all the best and so sorry you have to join the club.
Thank you for this blog, I shattered mine into 12 or so pieces while surf fishing. I threw out a nice cast and it was excruciating! I have a plate and nine screws and I am 2 weeks post-op. I have had a broken bone before but nothing like this. It is so incapacitating and I have been so emotional about this because it feels scary, like you might never be the same again. I just turned 49 and I just want my life back. Reading this is helping me with these very intense emotions.
Thanks to everyone for sharing this trauma in common. I am about 7 weeks WB and worst problem is trying to sleep while having “bee stings”, throbbing and stabbing. Sometimes a stitch working itself out!! I have 13 screws. They mentioned taking them out when I have the knee replaced in 5 years. Thank you, TPF! I take 1/2 norco #10, which gets me some sleep. It’s the only time i use it and i have 50 nights left and worry. Crying – yes – more of that than in the past 10 years. I am 67. Best wishes and God speed, everyone.
Thank you for sharing your story and validating everything I am experiencing after my accident and subsequent surgery recovery. I am 12 weeks out, 2 plates and 16 pins later, with a limp and some significant leg and foot pain. Your story let’s me know that this too shall pass, things get better and I can work through this…. good luck to all that have shared… Thank you!
Barb, yes, this too shall pass. Wishing you a blessed recovery.
Hi, my name is Elzy and I am 7 months in from my Tibia plateau fracture of my right knee. Happen to ask a question on google with someone elses experience of this type of injury. I am walking now but with a limb. My recovery took longer after my surgery of my right knee due to another fall for which I fractured my right wrist. Was in a wheelchair for long time through my PT sessions.
This I can say and relate too many which doctors do not tell you. Many many nights of crying, sleepless nights, having a support person, PT sessions and having the will to fight to get yourself moving on your own. I am in a better state of mind, working everyday to get back to normal.
My concern still is the pain in my knee when getting up where plate is located. But grateful you said it will get better and will discuss about removing plate in near future. I sm 64 years old. Thanks for helping others.
Hi Elzy. I’m so sorry for your injury, but so glad you found this blog helpful.It’s going to get better. It’s such a long recovery. Just stay focused on your PT. I’m still making gains and close to 3 years out now. Don’t every give up!
Thank you for your stories! My name is Patty I’m 61 years old and currently I’m 9 weeks post tibial plateau surgery. I’m so anxious to start non weight bearing hopefully in a couple of weeks. I googled what to expect when starting the walking process and came across your blog. I would appreciate any feedback, tips, tricks and/or suggestions you may have.
Thank you!
Hi Patty, I’m sorry for your injury. I can’t imagine going through recovery with all that is going on in the world right now with COVID-19. My best advice is to use your assistive devices (crutches, cane, walker etc) until you no longer need them. Do your physical therapy and try not to overdo it at first with walking. We all did it, because we were so excited to be walking again. I highly recommend walking in a pool if you’re able and have access to that.
This injury is so frustrating and recovery takes a really long time. Years to be honest. But just stay focused in in good spirits. A positive attitude goes a long way.
If you’re on Facebook and haven’t joined already, I suggest a closed group called Tibial Plateau Fracture Recovery. Great group with tips and always someone there to provide support and answer questions. That group literally got me through my recovery. Wish you all the best.
Hi Sherri, I’m Teresa, and 63 yrs old. I am so glad I stumbled upon your story. I had tibial plateau surgery on January 7, 2020 and non weight bearing until April 7th, 2020. I started pt in February and went 2 x per week until the pandemic broke, then they closed, so I did communicate with her by phone and an app she had me download. But I feel I missed out on better therapy by not being there. Anyway I am walking without assistance most of the time. I have swelling everyday and it starts shortly after I get up and moving around. I hate that as it drags me down and makes my leg feel heavy and tired. I have a limp, sometimes bad other times not so bad. I notice it’s my foot and ankle that hurt more than anything. It’s like it almost doesn’t want to bend. Is this normal at this stage? Any tips would be appreciated. Thanks again for your story.
Hi Teresa, I’m sorry for your injury. If you’re on Facebook I encourage you to join a closed group specifically for people with our injury…called Tibial Plateau Fracture recovery. Phenomenal group and many tips and stories of recovery from people on their fracture recovery journey’s in real time. It’s what go me through my recovery. Someone is always available to answer a question or provide support, especially when you might be having a bad or discouraging day.
And yes, I definitely suffered from ankle and foot pain when I began walking again. I’m not going to lie, my leg still feels a bit heavy at times, but I think my brain has adjusted to the difference in my legs and some days it doesn’t bother me as much. I love and appreciate those really good days, ya know? I wish you all the best in your recovery.
Hi, I’m Ginny-57 and at 11 weeks post surgery (March 5). I am at the learning to walk again stage. Finding your blog yesterday helped put a personal perspective on this whole new unplanned journey. Gratitude and small steps and celebrating all the things I took for granted. That’s where I am trying to stay, though digesting the life changes are not always easy. Your journal is helping me to come to terms with the long term reality of this, as well as the things like ankle/foot pain, that the swelling will last a long time. Thank you.
Sherri
I am in my early 50s very active and broke my tibial plateau after jamming my leg into a embankment playing paint ball. It has now been 4 weeks since the surgery. Your blog has been very helpful in what I have experience and the road ahead. I am glad that you share all of the details you experienced, I doesn’t seem like the doctors can tell you what a person will go through. I am glad you recovered ok.
Thank You
Hi, I’m Sue, I’m 51 and I am 5 months post op! Your blog has been invaluable to me having never broken a bone before and not knowing anyone that’s had a similar injury, reading other people’s experiences has really helped me. I’ve just applied to join the fb group too! My injury was the result of a fall skiing, but my recovery is going well. I am walking approx 4km most days, my limp is almost gone and scar is gradually fading, I can’t kneel down yet and there is still some discomfort but I’m getting there. Unfortunately my last hospital appointment was cancelled due to covid so haven’t had the X-ray I was due but think everything is healing as it should! My aim is to ski again if I’m not too scared to try!! Thank you so much for sharing your experience
I am so glad I found your site! I am 43 and slipped in a concrete irrigation ditch. I was trying to go after my dog who tackled a coyote… I fractured my tibial plateau in 3 places and tore my meniscus. This was my FIRST broken bone! I spent 4 days in the hospital and have a plate and 10 screws. I am 6.5 weeks post-surgery and my surgeon just released me to add 50lbs weight-bearing each week. I only weigh 125lbs so I don’t expect it to be a long process. I am at the end of day 1 adding some weight to my leg. My knee is pretty swollen and my leg feels fatigued. I upped my PT time to 3x a week for the next 2 weeks. We go to Colorado in 2.5 weeks from now for a vacation. I know I won’t be able to go hiking, but am hoping I can walk around town. Fingers crossed!
Hi Sherri. and co tibial plateau fracture survivors. My name is Maureen, I’m 65.
Post 7months of my fracture. Im happy to say there is light at the end of the tunnel. I started walking without assistance @ 6 mths, with a very definate limp, one of which I’m still trying to eliminate. I am trying to manage stairs (we have a 2 story home) which i can now do very carefully , and obviously still working on building up the strength in my fractured leg. I was 3mths NWB and its surprising how much muscle tone you lose, and if anyone told me it was going to take this long to recover, I would not have believed them. Ive read your blogs progressively and have found them an inspiration. Thankyou. Mind and body is a powerful tool. I haven’t returned to work as yet, as I still experience swelling and back ache, my work involves being one my feet for long periods. But its all work in progress, and no longer take things for granted. Celebrate that little bit longer you walk, or the more bend you get from doing those few more exercises, and ofcourse the shoes you could get into 6mths ago. Healthy, happy living all.
Can I ask if you have a pronounced lump where your metalwork is when you bend your knee? My leg looks exactly like yours does when laying it straight but I don’t know if my ‘lump’ is usual, or if it will gradually disappear over time or am I stuck with it!!! I’m 5 months post-op x
Hi Zoe. Sorry for your injury. I’ve had my hardware removed on the outer side of my leg so if I have a lump it was probably there or still present after removal. I have hardware on the inside (medial) aspect of my knee but my surgeon went in behind my knee and buried it deeply. I don’t feel that at all.
I honestly stopped comparing my two legs. Just resigned to the fact that I’ve recovered to the best of my ability from a traumatic injury and life is moving forward. I’m back to business as usual. I used to obsess over what my leg looked like. I rarely give it any thought these days as far as comparison goes.
Wish you all the best.
WOW, Long journey, but good for you!! I on the other hand was not as lucky. I fractured my tibial plateau and my surgeon did not bother to align my knee so now I have a horrible deformity and I can not walk or stand for very long. Anything I do that has to do with walking or standing kills me. My leg looks like a kickstand. I was so devastated. I thought this surgeon was good and going to put me back together. I am suffering from major depression and pain and they are telling me my only course of action now it to have a total knee replacement. I didn’t want the major surgery to repair my leg and now much less facing another major surgery to take out my knee joint because this surgeon didn’t try to align my knee properly. I wish I had your surgeon. I only have one plate and 6 screws. I am 58 and very active and healthy. At least I was very active before I broke my leg.
I am happy for you. Stay blessed.
Jack, I’m so sorry for your situation. I could understand your frustration to a degree. That was one of my worst fears while recovering. It’s devastating to put your trust in a surgeon and to have something so awful happen. That sounds like it could be malpractice, hope you’re looking into that.
As awful as it seems… or is, to have a knee replacement seems like your best option to getting back to your “normal” self. My mom just had a knee replacement in July (arthritis related) and yes, while it takes a very long time to recover, it seems in the long run to be something that could get you moving again. I’ll be praying for your recovery. All the best to you!
How much your knee bending out of 140 degree…Pls tell me my tibia plate operation is same as your….
Vijay, Hi. I have almost all my range of motion back in my knee. Keep the faith! It just takes time. You may not get it all back but if you keep working you should get most of it back.
Hi Sherri. So glad I found this site. It is so informative and encouraging. I am 12 weeks post op, and I am so excited to be full weight bearing next week when I see my surgeon.
My hardware looks just like yours, but I was never told of an option to remove it. It does make my leg feel very foreign to me, but in the same breath, you do get used to it. I was non weight bearing for just over 6 weeks. I am now able to use a 4 wheel walker and I so enjoy going out for walks. I have been hobbling around the house without it to see how I am doing, but it certainly is with a limp. I will work hard to get rid of that, but I know it is a very long journey. My surgeon said he would be surprised if I had a limp, but I think he could see how determined I am. I walked 10-13 km daily for the past 5 years. This has been so discouraging for me, and there have been many moments of tears. But I take one day at a time and press forward. I have a great physiotherapist who pushes me hard. I would love to do pool exercises, but Covid has shut everything down.
Thanks for sharing your story, as it is honest and encouraging. I can’t wait for my full recovery. If I could turn back time……. but it is nice to know I am not alone on this journey!
I understand about what you went thru. I shattered the top of my tibia plateau in a bicycle accident, October 2018, and spent 3 months no weight bearing on my leg and, my X-rays look almost like yours. So I feel your pain. It’s not easy. I went thru a lot of pain. I’m still experiencing pain and struggling with standing and walking long periods of time I can’t squat the pain is to excruciating, I lost all of my thigh muscle. So thank you for sharing your experience.
Sherri,
Nice to be able to read your story and recovery path. Thank you. I am 2-weeks post-op on a Lateral Tibia Plateau fracture of the left leg from a fall while skiing on Jan 6th 2021. Like you I also injured my shoulder and have to just deal with it for now… lots of rotator cuff pain. I noticed your brace looks pretty sophisticated. My initial brace is a non-adjustable straight soft brace with metal rods (no adjustments for bending). I was told to keep knee straight. The brace doesn’t keep my knee at 0 degrees so that’s been difficult. I use pillows under my heel to help straighten leg but that brings pain from hyper extending. My first week was tough especially since pain Meds cause nausea and backup. I got off the hard stuff after day 3 and am just taking extra strength Tylenol. The toughest part for me has been the ankle/foot swelling, numbness, and throbbing. I was able to get some relief by re-wrapping the bandage and put on a thin compression sock up to lower calf. I bought a wheel chair and use it for movement. I also have crutches but cannot be upright long due to weight of brace pulling down on knee. Doctor told me to expect to keep h/w in leg for life. That worries me and am hoping it won’t be an issue. Looking forward to the 2-week post-op appt in a few days and hoping to start bending knee soon.
Cheers.
Hi Sherri,
Thank you for your inspirational posts! I broke my tibia plateau at the end of Jan 2021, and had no idea how long the recovery process would be. I had a rather large bone graft from my hip and knee cap and plates/pins similar to yours. I was anticipating walking at 8 weeks post Op, but just learned this week that I need to wait an additional 6 weeks. 13 overall weeks of NWB was a very tough pill to swallow. I’m trying to stay positive and have been working on gaining my ROM back at PT in the meantime…I’m at about a 75degree bend and 3 degrees off with straightening. I am an active, healthy 28 year old and thought I would be able to bounce back quicky…learning the hard way that it ‘s going to take a lot of continued physical and mental stamina to recover!
https://www.tibiaplateaufracture.com/
Congratulations young lady (yes, young lady…you are gorgeous at 50 (-: ….). I am at the beginning of the same journey as you. Was hit by a car on Super Bowl Sunday(2-7-21) ..and suffered extensive, life threatening injuries from the waist down (albeit the torn aorta in my heart…1st immediate surgery…they had to put a stint in there & I had bleeding on the brain) … Now 7 weeks later …and an upcoming visit with the Orthopedic Surgeon April 1st…and fingers crossed(after he does the Xrays) I can bear weight on my left leg and hop around for a few weeks..then bear weight on the right leg and start learning to walk again .. My anxiety is building, but after reading about your amazing journey… I am INSPIRED!!! thank you so much for this blog about your experience.. May the Universe continue to bless you (and yours)…stay well and be Safe! And thanks again…. Best, Bruce.
Hi Sherri,
Thank you for sharing your journey it is a great help….
I’m suffering now for over a year and as my surgeon did not bother to align my knee properly he has left me with my knee going inwards. So decided to get a second opinion and of course was told it was a bad job….so now, going with my new Surgeon he tells me I have to have two operations to get my leg right, one to remove all the hardware and the second to replace my knee.
So going into Hospital in eight days time for stage one and then It will take about four months to heal and then I go in for stage two, but I’m very positive and especially reading everybody’s story has given me extra hope.
I’m a very active HP Swim Coach and into swimming, running, etc and of course climbing mountains where I did all the damage….slipped and tumbled…but I lived to tell the tale….
Cheers to all, keep safe xx
Thanks Sherri…
So sorry for all your recovery troubles Marian. I’m wishing you all the best on your next journey and recovery. Stay safe.
THank you for sharing your recovery. In 2004, I was involved in a dual boat prop accident and was lifeflighted to a level one trauma center. My left leg tibia and fibia was broken in multiple places and had open lacerations from the counter rotating boat propellers. I fell off while we were docking the boat and went to swim away from the boat but my husband did not realize that I had fallen off and put the boat in reverse so my left leg was actually stuck in the two propellers for a short period of time until I was free from the boat, swam to the dock and was assisted out of the water.
Once at the trauma center, my husband was told I would be having a below the knee amputation but one of the physicians felt a pulse in my foot which was barely attached and we found out that there was blood flow to the foot so an external fixator for awhile, muscle flap, bone grafts, plate and screws and of course MRSA to deal with. This happened labor day Sept 6th and I returned to work on crutches in January. I progressed to partial weight bearing and then was able to do full weight bearing at approx. May so 8 months. Then 6 years later I fell in a parking lot and suffered a tibia plateau fracture so back to surgery for another plate and screws. This now made me have 3 plates and 41 screws. Luckily, I do not have pain when I walked but do have leg length discrepancy and had to have a lift in my shoe, still hade a limp and ended up with a hip replacement on the opposite leg in 2018 probably due to the limping and all of the wear and tear on the good right leg. So now fast forward to May 24th, 2021. My 88 pound 7 year old dog came running at me but this time she did not swerve and her head hit my inner side of my bad left leg. After a MRI and Cat Scan, a proximal tibia fracture was seen so another surgery June 4th. I am currently 3 weeks post op and have been told that I am to be non weight bearing for a total of 12 weeks so 9 more weeks to go. I am not able to use crutches this time so I am using wheel chair and also have already started physical therapy to help with the strength in the injured leg. I wondered if anyone had used a device called the Freedom Leg Brace which allows for 100 percent non weight bearing but you are able to walk by sitting back on the upper thigh muscles…. There are videos out that show this. I did purchase one of these and left it with my physical therapist to try it out since she has two good legs. If she thinks it will work, we will be trying this device next week.. fingers crossed because the mental challenges in addition to the physical limitations of non weight bearing are incredibly hard. I know that I just hope that once again I heal and can walk again, even if it is with a limp. I am taking vitamin C, calcium, also to help with healing. THank you for sharing your story with all of us going thru our own struggles with fractures. take care
Karla, I have no words. So sorry. Recovery from this injury once was bad enough, I can’t imagine 3 times. How traumatized you must be from all of this.
It also goes to show, that no matter how many times we recover and move on, if it happens again, we ALWAYS fear not being able to walk again.
It’s a totally valid fear. I wish you all the best in your recovery.
Hi Sherry Thank you so much for this blog. I fell down the stairs on March 26th, TPF. I am about 16 weeks out from the surgery, complete with plate and screws. At 12 weeks I was allowed full weight bearing. I now use a cane when I go outside. In the house I hobble around without it. Believe me, I am thrilled to be able to do that. I have been going to physical therapy and getting good range of motion. Your blog has been a life saver. I had foot pain and ankle pain when I first started weight bearing, it’s better now, but to read that you went through the same things eased my mind. I just have pain in my leg (and back and hip but I am 64) when I walk which is relieved quite a bit with Tylenol and exercises that I do before I even get out of bed. Mornings are the worst. Thank you again for sharing your experience, it has been so helpful for me.
Hi Carol. I’m so sorry you had to join the rest of us on this very crazy recovery journey. But I wish you all the best!
Hi Sherri,
Thank you SO much for sharing your journey. I now have a better idea about the expectations for my recovery. I am entering the 6th week after ORIF surgery. I fell of my bike and my fracture was caused by low impact and twist of the leg; having osteopenia did not help. I figure yours was more complicated since you had the external fixation as well.
The lack of information given by the surgeon is very frustrating. As you, I have researched a lot, and my husband gets annoyed just like your boyfriend did.
It’s been 4 years since your surgery; how are you doing? I read in one of your previous posts that you regained your range of motion almost fully. Can you run now? Does it still hurt at times? I hope you are doing well!
Eve
Hi Eve. Glad you found your way here. I recently did a 4 year update blog and address that in my post. You can find it here https://thekitchenprescription.com/2021/07/12/tibial-plateau-fracture-2/
Hello
Thank you for sharing your journey. My name is CJ a 65 year old woman who was very active before my injury. I suffered a tibia plateau fracture while on the last day of vacation in Hawaii in August. I was on a Segway when a kid cut me off on a down incline. I fell in a ditch and knew there was a problem when I couldn’t stand up. Had an agonizing 5 hour flight back to LA. My surgeon did not recommend surgery. I was released 3 weeks ago for PT with a follow up in 6 weeks. I have stiffness in the mornings and am walking with the assistance of a Walker. Hopefully I can advance to a cane. My Physical Therapist is working with me to strengthen my quads. He says they are not firing and is using currents to help. How long did it take for you to regain quad strength?
I fractured my lateral tibial plateau when my large dog body slammed me. Freak accident as he never had done this before. Possible MCL stretched but I am lucky that the doctor doesn’t think the fracture goes all the way to the surface. Having ostepenia I am supplementing like crazy and wearing a brace. Ortho told me I could bear weight about 25%. I have no idea how long this will take but I was advised to do leg exercises to not lose too much in my quads. If anyone is reading this, I would recommend taking Alexander Technique lessons throughout your recovery both non-weight bearing and later. I am certified in this method and it is helping tremendously with coping. It will help get back to as natural of a gait walking as you can do. It is an educational method that looks at how you move and when you interfere with this coordination. It can be applied to anything you do like simple activities such as walking or PT exercises. I wanted to pass this on as this injury albeit mine is not as extreme is really difficult. I hate not being able to move around and get things for myself. It hurts like crazy too. I’m trying not to do too much as the pain becomes so much more intense. Patience is a virtue. Good luck to everyone in their recovery.
Hi Sherri
So good to read of your experience post tibial plateau fracture, I am about 8 weeks post op now, on 50% weight bearing, I have managed to get my knee to 90 degrees bend. I am hoping that I will be able to fully weight bear in about 4 weeks. Having read your blog I was comforted to know that I wasn’t the only person to burst into occasional tears, feeling very sorry for myself especially in a morning following an rotten night’s sleep. I am an optimistic person and have been convinced that learning to walk again won’t be a problem but now that it is coming closer I am beginning to feel quite nervous. You have given me confidence that I will stop being an invalid and become the independent person that I was before. Thank you for kindly sharing your journey.
Hi Patricia. Sorry for your injury and such a late response. I imagine by now that you are walking again and have your independence back. So congratulations on that. Best feeling after being immobile for so long right?
I wish you all the best in your continued recovery journey.
Hi Sheree I had a tpf in june 2020 because of a lot of illness setting me back I still can’t walk without pain and a bad limp. I had 2 major abdominal surgeries in September 2021 to remove a section of bowel for perforated diverticulitis which has led to a permanent colostomy and hysterectomy for womb cancer. I am 57 and now hoping nothing else will interupt PT so here’s hoping I can finally make progress in building muscle. I had a dozen fractures of tpf all because I fell off the bloody bed trying to get a moth off the ceiling. That moth has got a lot to answer for haha. Wishing everyone the best.
Oh my goodness Tracey. Wow a moth! It is good to have a sense of humor like you do with this injury. Lord knows it’s needed given the long recovery time. It can mess with both your mental and emotional well being.
Wish you all the best in your continued recovery.
Hi Sherri!
Thank you for sharing your story with us! I experienced this same injury Sept 30, 2021 (4 1/2 months ago) after entering a doctor’s office. I approached the check in counter where an older gentleman was finishing up. As he turned to leave the counter, he lost his balance and fell on me. Well….he got up and I stayed on the floor yelling to the top of my lungs. Long story shortened…4 months later after two surgeries to repair four tibial plateau fractures and a fractured shin, I am walking now unassisted. As you said, it is still painful every time I put my foot to the floor. I was reading your blog to compare my progress to others. My limp is pretty severe and again, the pain and swelling still persists. I am encouraged by your blog to remain diligent in my exercise. I am 55 years old and recently retired so this injury was definitely not how I intended to spend my retirement. I just wondered if I would ever walk normal again and be without pain. I live on the east coast while my adult children reside on the west coast. While I am grateful for my life and my children, having a walking impairment will lessen the enjoyment of my vacations to Vegas!! Anyhow,…. I was wondering whether you actually considered having the metal rod removed? I wish you all the best and a full recovery as I pray for the same.
Oh my goodness. How awful April. I’m sure you’ve questioned how you got to be the unlucky one standing in that spot at the time of that poor man’s fall. That seems like it could really mess with your mental well being, especially knowing it wasn’t something caused by you or something you were doing like skiing or bike riding etc.
I hope I can reassure you by saying it definitely gets better with time. Wish you all the best in your continued recovery.
Thank you for your post. I fell off a ladder and suffered a TPF of both legs. I am 3 months post accident and have been full weight bearing for 3 weeks today. I am able to take about 100 steps with my walker and can navigate about 12 steps right now. I’m not exactly sure what I expected but the healing process is slower than I would like for it to be. Your post is encouraging, sometimes I honestly don’t see the light at the end of this tunnel.
Hi Sherri,
Thank you for creating this blog post on your experience and journey with your TPF and shoulder injury. Boy do I relate on so many levels.
My story is I fell off a ladder while doing yard work on July 5th, 2022 and sustained a right Tibial Plateau Fracture, and right Distal Fibular Fracture. I was rushed to the local emergency hospital, however due to the nature of the injury, was transported later that night to a higher level orthopedic trauma hospital. That same day, surgery was performed to put me in the external fixator. One week later, once the swelling had subsided, and an operating room and time slot became available, I had the actual surgery to repair my tibial plateau fracture. Oddly enough the surgeons seem to not put to much emphasis on my fractured ankle, since it was a non weight baring bone, however, i landed back in the hospital with a swollen foot and ankle and after X-rays, pulling and prodding, I was placed In a splint and my brace secured. Why they did not place me in a splint to begin with was a mystery to me. So three weeks later I am now home with a splint and a brace and a walker and in the early stages of my journey to recovery. I was informed I could bend my knee. How much, I don’t know. I feel like I’m sort of doing my own PT for now, which is a bit scary. I landed on this blog because I have so many questions that aren’t always apparent to ask, until you’re living with the situation. I find there is so much missing information particularly during my discharge from the hospital. They saw I was good on the walker and never had me speak with a case manage or social worker to find out what I might need at home as a single mother of 2 young adult children away at college. One burning question I have is whether I need to sleep with this brace on at night. I don’t expect you to answer that question, it’s one I will contact my surgeon about tomorrow. Meanwhile I have it off propped on a pillow because it feels good and I can practice my ever so slight, knee bends. I have yet to have my first postop appointment which was supposed to be two weeks after surgery, but due to schedules and summer, my 1st appt is this coming Friday which is over three weeks since my surgery. ;-/
Considering all, I think I’m doing fairly well as I’ve had an abundance of love and support by so many. I also find I am doing a lot on my own but that is probably what landed me in this position to begin with and I recognize I need to accept and ask for help, and allow myself the time and space to heal properly.
Anyway there’s a lot of good information and a lot of content to read especially the comments from many in the community. I simply wanted to thank you for creating this blog, I’m also interested in following your recipes as now that I have some extra time and newfound interests, I’m eager to add a new repertoire of meals to my diet. Meal planning and easy “grab and go”, is something that is top of mind for me as I consider making life easier during these coming weeks and months of recovery.
Thank you,
Michelle
Michelle, thank you for sharing your story. I wish you all the best in your recovery. I’m glad you found this information. useful.
Thank you so much for this wealth of information from you and others on this life changing journey. Post surgery from my TPF repair (8 days in hospital), I was 3 mos NWB but was diligent with my PT. My surgeon said at 1 mo, my ROM was better than most people at 6 mos. I thought that meant that I would be able to walk normally at the end of the NWB stage. I could not have been more wrong. I am 2+ weeks out from NWB and I can barely walk with one crutch. I have a pronounced limp due to the pain and it is hard to imagine every getting back to my 5+mile daily walks. My surgeon said I could do my stationary bike in addition to daily PT so I am able to do that 30 mins each day without much discomfort. I am also able to do much of the yoga that I did pre-surgery. But walking itself is a huge challenge. I am not sure why I thought I would just be able to walk again like I did pre-surgery but clearly that is not the case. I spend 30 mins each morning before I even get out of bed doing ROM and band work so my muscles can loosen from the night’s sleep as I am very stiff in the morning. I can see from all the comments that this is not weeks but months and months of recovery if not years. I just read your 4 year update and hope that we all get to that place too. Again, thanks so much for the effort you have put into this community.
Thanks for sharing this, it give me hope of walking without assistant.